Translation guide
The English word "particular" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean "specific," "fussy," "detailed," or "especially."
To refer to a specific person, thing, time, or place, as opposed to general or any.
The most direct and common translation for 'particular' when meaning 'specific.' Used before nouns.
特定の理由があって欠席した。
I was absent for a particular reason.
It doesn't refer to any particular individual.
Means 'a certain' or 'some.' Used when the specific identity is not important or known. Very natural in Japanese.
ある日、突然彼が訪ねてきた。
One particular day, he suddenly came to visit.
ある程度の経験が必要だ。
A certain (particular) level of experience is necessary.
Often means 'special' but can overlap with 'particular' when emphasizing something out of the ordinary. Use with care as it can sound like 'special/exceptional.'
Often implies 'special' rather than just 'specific.' Use 特定の for neutral specificity.
今日は特別な日だ。
Today is a particular (special) day.
To describe someone who is very careful or demanding about details, often in a negative sense.
Common word meaning 'fussy,' 'picky,' or 'noisy.' Can be used for people who are particular about things.
彼は食べ物にうるさい。
He is particular about food.
細かいことにうるさい上司だ。
He's a boss who is particular about small details.
Means 'detailed' or 'meticulous.' When describing a person, it can mean they are particular about details.
Means 'to be particular about' or 'to have strong preferences.' Often used positively for someone with refined tastes.
彼はコーヒーにこだわりがある。
He is particular about his coffee.
To describe an account, description, or examination that includes many details.
Means 'detailed' or 'in detail.' Used for descriptions, reports, etc.
詳細な説明をありがとう。
Thank you for the particular (detailed) explanation.
事件の詳細な報告が求められている。
A particular (detailed) report of the incident is required.
Can mean 'detailed' or 'minute.' Often used for rules, instructions, or descriptions.
Emphasizes very minute details. Somewhat literary.
事細かな描写が印象的だ。
The particular (minutely detailed) description is impressive.
To single out one thing from others, often used as an adverbial phrase.
The standard translation for 'in particular' or 'particularly.'
特にこの点が重要だ。
This point in particular is important.
私は特に何もしていない。
I didn't do anything in particular.
Means 'among others' or 'especially.' Slightly more formal/literary than 特に.
English speakers often reach for 特別な (special) when they mean 'particular,' but 特別な implies something exceptional or out of the ordinary. For neutral specificity, use 特定の or ある.
特定の理由 (○) vs. 特別な理由 (△: implies a special/exceptional reason)
a particular reason
うるさい is the most common and versatile word for 'fussy/picky.' 細かい emphasizes attention to small details, often about money or rules. こだわりがある is more positive, suggesting refined preferences.
彼は味にうるさい。 (He's picky about taste.)
He is particular about taste.
彼女はお金に細かい。 (She's particular about money.)
She is particular about money.
彼女はお金に細かい。
She is particular about money.
Means 'hard to please' or 'fastidious.' Stronger and more negative than うるさい.
気難しい客だった。
He was a particular (hard-to-please) customer.
細かい指示を出した。
I gave particular (detailed) instructions.
とりわけ印象に残ったのは彼のスピーチだ。
What stuck with me in particular was his speech.