別に
Meanings
1
(not) particularly; (not) especially
Used with a negative predicate to soften a denial or indicate that something is not especially the case. Often used alone as a casual 'not really' reply.
I'm not particularly bothered.
"Tired?" "Not really."
2
separately; apart; additionally
Indicates doing something separately or in addition to something else. Less common than the negative-polarity sense.
I'll order drinks separately.
Let's consider this problem separately.
Usage patterns
- 別に〈形容詞〉くないnot particularly [adjective]
It's not particularly difficult.
- 「どうしたの?」「別に。」'Nothing much' as a stand-alone, slightly dismissive reply to a question
"You seem down, what's wrong?" "Nothing, really."
- 〈物〉を〈物〉と別にするto keep/handle one thing separately from another
I keep my work time and personal time separate.
- 別に〈動詞〉わけではないit's not that I particularly [do/did something]
It's not that I particularly dislike it, but I don't eat it much.
Expressions
- 別にいいけどI don't care; fine, whatever; that's okay; sure, go ahead