1.
special; exceptional; in a class of its own
Describes something or someone that stands apart from others in quality, status, or treatment. Implies being above the usual standard or ranking.
あの選手は別格だ。
That player is in a class of his own.
母の手料理は別格のおいしさだ。
My mother's home cooking is exceptionally delicious.
どの店もおいしいが、あの老舗だけは別格の扱いを受けている。
Every shop is good, but that long-established store alone receives special treatment.
USAGE:
別格 is commonly used as a predicate (別格だ) or as a modifier (別格の). It expresses that something is so outstanding it cannot be compared to others in the same group.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 別格の扱い (special treatment)
- 別格の存在 (an exceptional presence)
- 別格の味 (exceptional flavor)
ETYMOLOGY:
Originally a Buddhist term referring to a temple of special rank (別格官幣社). The meaning broadened to describe anything that stands apart from the ordinary.