とっておき

noun, no-adjective

prized, saved for a special occasion

evaluation

1. something prized, saved for a special occasion

Something kept in reserve because it is special or valuable, intended to be used or shared at just the right moment.

とっておきのワインを開(あ)けた。

I opened a special bottle of wine I had been saving.

とっておきの場所(ばしょ)を教(おし)えてあげる。

I'll tell you about a special place I know.

誕生日(たんじょうび)のために、とっておきのプレゼントを用意(ようい)しておいた。

I had prepared a special present for the birthday.

とっておき describes something specially saved or reserved for the right moment. It conveys a sense of personal treasure or secret knowledge being shared.

Etymology

From the verb 取(と)っておく (to set aside, to save for later). The noun form means "something that has been kept in reserve."

Common patterns

とっておきの + noun: a special, prized (noun)
とっておきの場所(ばしょ): a special place (that I know about)
とっておきのワイン: a wine saved for a special occasion
とっておきの話(はなし): a story saved for the right moment

Usage

とっておき often implies the speaker is sharing something personal or exclusive. It is warm and informal, commonly used when recommending a favorite restaurant, sharing a secret spot, or revealing saved-up good news.

general

Added 2026.2.8 6:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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