Meaning

Primary

Not Particularly

Alternatives

Not Really, Separately, In Addition To

Word Type

adverb

Explanation

If someone asks if you want a separate knee (), you'll say not particularly. I mean, you've never thought about it, but do you really need more knees? Not really...

In this first meaning, 別に is often used on its own, or with a negative verb or adjective, as in 別に長くない (not particularly long).

However, when 別に is used with a positive verb, it often simply means separately, or in addition to. After all, when you have to do something separately, you have to do it in addition to something else. Like learning this meaning in addition to the first one. What a chore!

Reading

べつに
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is just the reading you learned with the kanji. Well done!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 別にする

    to separate, to do separately

    別にいい

    it doesn't matter

    別にない

    nothing in particular

Context Sentences

温かいものはふくろを別にしてください。

Can you use a separate bag for the warm stuff?

別に会社で人間関係に苦労はしてないよ。

I don't really have a difficult time dealing with human relationships at work.

「おお、フグ。最近どうよ?」「別に変わりないね。ワニ君、君はどうだい?」

"Hey Fugu! What are you up to lately?" "Nothing in particular. How about you Wani?"

Kanji Composition