特意
HSK 6- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 特意 expresses that an action is done intentionally, especially for a particular person or matter.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The adverb 特意 is used to emphasize that an action is carried out with a specific, deliberate purpose — not by chance. It conveys the speaker's thoughtfulness or special effort directed toward someone or something. It can be loosely translated as "go out of one's way to," "specially," or "intentionally" (in a positive sense).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我特意为你做了这个蛋糕。繁: 我特意為你做了這個蛋糕。Wǒ tèyì wèi nǐ zuò le zhège dàngāo.
I made this cake especially for you.
- 他特意从国外回来看奶奶。繁: 他特意從國外回來看奶奶。Tā tèyì cóng guówài huílái kàn nǎinai.
He made a special trip back from abroad to visit his grandmother.
- 妈妈特意给我买了新衣服。繁: 媽媽特意給我買了新衣服。Māma tèyì gěi wǒ mǎi le xīn yīfu.
My mother specifically bought me new clothes.
- 这是我特意为你准备的。繁: 這是我特意為你準備的。Zhè shì wǒ tèyì wèi nǐ zhǔnbèi de.
This is what I specially prepared for you.
- 老师特意多讲了一遍。繁: 老師特意多講了一遍。Lǎoshī tèyì duō jiǎng le yí biàn.
The teacher specially explained it one more time.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他特意迟到了。Correct:他故意迟到了。
特意 usually carries a positive connotation and indicates thoughtfulness; for negative actions or deliberate wrongdoing, 故意 (gùyì) is more appropriate.
- Wrong:我来看你特意。Correct:我特意来看你。
特意 is an adverb and must come before the verb it modifies; it cannot stand at the end of a sentence.