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.
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.
One particular day, he suddenly came to visit.
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.
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.
He is particular about food.
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.
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.
Thank you for the particular (detailed) explanation.
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.
The particular (minutely detailed) description is impressive.
To single out one thing from others, often used as an adverbial phrase.
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.
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.
He is particular about taste.
He's a boss who is particular about small details.
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.
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.
彼女はお金に細かい。 (She's particular about money.)
She is particular about money.