特
special
Readings
On'yomi
- トク
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
特 centers on something standing apart from the ordinary: a special, distinctive, or exceptional quality that sets it apart.
Most common words using 特
24 of 493- 特にとくにN5
particularly; especially; in particular; expressly
- 特別とくべつN4
special; particular; extraordinary; exceptional; especial
- 特徴とくちょうN3
feature; trait; characteristic; peculiarity; distinction
- 特定とくていN2
specific; particular; designated; special
- 特殊とくしゅN2
special; particular; peculiar; unique
- 特集とくしゅうN1
feature (e.g. newspaper); special edition; report
- 特典とくてんN1
privilege; special favor; special favour; benefit; prerogative; perk; amenity
- 独特どくとくN2
peculiarity; uniqueness; characteristic
- 特性とくせい
special characteristic; special quality; trait; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity
- 特許とっきょN1
patent
- 特急とっきゅうN5
limited express (train for which a limited-express ticket is required)
- 特有とくゆうN1
characteristic (of); peculiar (to)
- 特権とっけんN1
privilege; special right
- 特設とくせつ
setting up specially; special installation
- 特異とくいN1
unique; peculiar; singular
- 特技とくぎN2
special skill
- 特製とくせいN2
special make; deluxe
- 特色とくしょくN3
characteristic; (distinctive) feature; peculiarity; distinguishing quality; special character
- 特大とくだい
extra-large; king-size
- 特例とくれい
special case; exception
- 特産とくさんN1
being produced in a particular region; local specialty
- 特訓とっくんN1
special training; intensive training; crash course
- 特捜とくそう
special investigation
- 特選とくせん
special selection; special approval
Study
Etymology
特 combines 牜 (cow) with 寺, which likely contributes the sound. The original meaning was a bull, a special male animal, which extended to the general idea of something special.
Meaning mnemonic
A cow 牜 beside a temple 寺: picture a special, sacred cow set apart at the temple, making it exceptional.
Reading mnemonic
For トク, imagine a special talk (トーク) given by the temple cow: talk -> トク, and the cow's special status makes the talk memorable.