別 格(べっかく)

べっかく

noun, na-adjective

special; exceptional; in a class of its own

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(せんしゅ)は別格(べっかく)だ。

That player is in a class of his own.

母(はは)の手料理(てりょうり)は別格(べっかく)のおいしさだ。

My mother's home cooking is exceptionally delicious.

どの店(みせ)もおいしいが、あの老舗(しにせ)だけは別格(べっかく)の扱(あつか)いを受(う)けている。

Every shop is good, but that long-established store alone receives special treatment.

Usage

別格(べっかく) is commonly used as a predicate (別格(べっかく)だ) or as a modifier (別格(べっかく)の). It expresses that something is so outstanding it cannot be compared to others in the same group.

Common collocations

別格(べっかく)の扱(あつか)い (special treatment)
別格(べっかく)の存在(そんざい) (an exceptional presence)
別格(べっかく)の味(あじ) (exceptional flavor)

Etymology

Originally a Buddhist term referring to a temple of special rank (別格(べっかく)官幣社(かんぺいしゃ)). The meaning broadened to describe anything that stands apart from the ordinary.

Related Words

Synonym: 特別(とくべつ) (everyday)

Synonym: 格別(かくべつ) (especially, exceptionally)

Compare: 別物(べつもの) (different thing entirely)

general

Added 2026.3.9 17:32 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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