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March 24, 2026
特tè(te4)
The character 特 (tè) conveys the idea of something being special, unique, or distinguished. It is often used to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic, as in 特别 (tèbié), meaning 'especially' or 'particularly.' This character can also denote something that is out of the ordinary or exceptional in various contexts.
Strokes10Radical牛Frequency#673DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of specialness is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with celebrations or rare occasions, such as special family gatherings or festivals. The phrase 特别的日子 (tèbié de rìzi) signifies a day of importance, reflecting cultural values around family and tradition.
Memory Tip
Think of 特 as a 'special' stamp on a letter, signifying that it is not just any ordinary mail but something unique. The character's form, with its distinct strokes, can remind you of a uniquely designed stamp. Remember 'tè' sounds like 'tack,' which you can imagine as sticking a special note on something important.
Meanings of 特
tè(te4)
1special
2unique
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 特
特Simplified
10Strokes
牛Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#673Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 特
Podcast: 特
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AI Study Notes for 特
Quick Contrast
特别 (tèbié) is used for emphasis on a quality, while 特殊 (tèshū) refers specifically to something that is unusual or exceptional in a distinct way.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 特 as a 'special' stamp on a letter, signifying that it is not just any ordinary mail but something unique. The character's form, with its distinct strokes, can remind you of a uniquely designed stamp. Remember 'tè' sounds like 'tack,' which you can imagine as sticking a special note on something important.
Usage Notes
Use 特 in both formal and informal contexts to highlight uniqueness or importance. Common collocations include 特别 (tèbié) and 特征 (tèzhēng, meaning 'characteristic'). Be cautious with the tone; the fourth tone 'tè' can be confused with other similar-sounding words if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
While 特 is not specifically assigned to an HSK level, it connects with several HSK vocabulary words that express distinctions, such as 特别 (tèbié). Focus on using it in context to enhance your understanding of special qualities and comparisons in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
The concept of specialness is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with celebrations or rare occasions, such as special family gatherings or festivals. The phrase 特别的日子 (tèbié de rìzi) signifies a day of importance, reflecting cultural values around family and tradition.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 特 with its derivative 特别 (tèbié), using them interchangeably when they are not. For example, saying '这个特别好' (zhège tèbié hǎo) is incorrect; it should be '这个特好' (zhège tè hǎo) for 'This is very good.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 特
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Grammar Patterns of 特
特 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The Coptic Church is among the oldest churches of Christianity.
Cultural Notes for 特
💡Did you know?
'特' is often used in expressions like '特别好', which means 'especially good'. It emphasizes the uniqueness of the subject in context.
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of specialness is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with celebrations or rare occasions, such as special family gatherings or festivals. The phrase 特别的日子 (tèbié de rìzi) signifies a day of importance, reflecting cultural values around family and tradition.
Word Family of 特
Words Containing This Character20
特别tèbiéespecially特別
特tèspecial
特殊tèshūspecial
特点tèdiǎntrait特點
模特mótè(fashion) model (loanword)
特色tèsècharacteristic
特征tèzhēngcharacteristic特徵
独特dútèunique獨特
特工secret service
特定tèdìngspecial
特性tèxìngproperty
特意tèyìspecially
特价tèjiàspecial price特價
希特勒Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)
福特Ford (name)
凯特Kate (name)凱特
英特尔Intel英特爾
特有tèyǒuspecific (to)
特地tèdìspecially
特区abbr. for 特別行政區|特别行政区特區
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 特别 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 特
Some common phrases that include 特 (tè) are '特别' (tè bié), which means 'especially,' and '特征' (tè zhēng), meaning 'characteristic.' These phrases highlight the unique qualities or specific features of subjects in conversation.
While 特 (tè) refers to something that is special or unique, 主要 (zhǔ yào) means 'main' or 'primary.' 特 emphasizes individuality or distinction, whereas 主要 focuses on importance or centrality in a context. Understanding these nuances can help in accurately conveying meaning.
特 (tè) means 'special' or 'unique' in Chinese. It is often used to describe something that stands out or is distinguished from the ordinary. Additionally, it can also be used to indicate something done in a special way or to emphasize the degree of an adjective, similar to 'very' in English.
To use 特 (tè) in a sentence, you can place it before an adjective to emphasize its uniqueness or intensity. For example, '这道菜特好吃' (zhè dào cài tè hǎo chī) translates to 'This dish is especially delicious.' You can also use it in phrases like '特此通知' (tè cǐ tōng zhī), meaning 'specially notify.'
You can use 特 in sentences like '这个地方特别美' (zhège dìfāng tèbié měi), which means 'This place is especially beautiful.'
No, 特 is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin to emphasize uniqueness or special qualities.
特 is an adjective meaning 'special,' while 特别 is an adverb or adjective meaning 'especially' or 'particularly.'
