special
/ˈspeʃl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspeʃl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈspe-shəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈspeʃ.əl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspeʃ.əl/ (ame, ipa)
special — 形容詞
- specialpositive
- more specialcomparative
- most specialsuperlative
1. not like most others of the same type; unusual enough to be noticed or mentioned
特別；不尋常
與平常不同的
not like most others of the same type; unusual enough to be noticed or mentioned
Anong prepared a special kind of tea from her grandmother's village.
Anong 用她祖母家鄉的方法準備了一種特別的茶。
collocation: special kind of
The night-shift nurse noticed a special smell coming from the empty room.
夜班護士注意到空房間裡傳來一種特別的氣味。
Darius keeps a special notebook for writing down his dreams.
Darius 有一本特別的筆記本，專門用來記錄他的夢境。
A special type of rice is grown only in the mountain fields of this region.
這個地區的山田裡種植著一種特別的米。
- unusual
similar meaning but does not always carry the same positive or neutral tone; 'unusual' can suggest strangeness
- distinctive
focuses on being clearly different in a noticeable way; slightly more formal
- unique
stronger — means one of a kind; do not use with modifiers like 'very'
2. noticeably better, greater, or more important than what is usual for its type
非凡；格外
比一般更好或更重要的
noticeably better, greater, or more important than what is usual for its type
Romi's grandmother cooked a special dinner to celebrate the family reunion.
Romi 的祖母為了家庭團聚煮了一頓特別的晚餐。
collocation: special [occasion/event/meal]
Lukas received a special award for helping his neighbours during the flood.
Lukas 因為在洪水期間幫助鄰居而獲得一個特別的獎項。
There is something special about the way the sunlight hits the lake at sunset.
夕陽照在湖面上的景色，有種特別的感覺。
Eshe felt her trip to the wildlife park was the most special day of summer.
Eshe 覺得野生動物園之旅是她暑假中最特別的一天。
The coach said today's match was special and the team should give it their all.
教練說今天的比賽很特別，隊員們應該全力以赴。
- exceptional
more formal; suggests unusually high quality
- remarkable
suggests something worth talking about because it is so good
- outstanding
implies being noticeably better than others; common in school and work contexts
- extraordinary
stronger than 'special'; suggests something far beyond the normal range
用法筆記
This sense is frequently used before nouns like 'occasion', 'celebration', 'day', 'moment', and 'relationship' to emphasize emotional importance. Unlike sense 1 (NOT USUAL), this sense has a strongly positive tone.
常見錯誤
3. made, organized, or used for a single particular aim, need, or situation rather
專門；特定
為特定目的而設的
made, organized, or used for a single particular aim, need, or situation rather than for general use
The school hired a special teacher to work with students who have hearing difficulties.
學校聘請了一位專門的老師來幫助有聽力困難的學生。
collocation: special [teacher/equipment/school]
Minho bought a special brush for cleaning the narrow spaces between his teeth.
Minho 買了一枝專門刷洗牙縫的牙刷。
The hospital has a special machine that takes pictures of the inside of your body.
醫院有一臺特殊的機器，可以拍攝身體內部的影像。
Adina wore special shoes that helped her stand comfortably for long hours at work.
Adina 穿著特製的鞋子，讓她可以在工作中長時間舒適地站立。
用法筆記
Often appears in compound nouns: 'special offer', 'special needs', 'special effects', 'special delivery'. The noun that follows names the area or purpose for which something has been designed.
常見錯誤
4. belonging to or meant for a single person, group, or purpose and not shared with
專用；專屬
為特定人或群體保留的
belonging to or meant for a single person, group, or purpose and not shared with others
The chef made a special meal for a guest who cannot eat cheese or nuts.
廚師為一位不能吃起司和堅果的客人做了一頓特製的餐點。
collocation: special meal / special diet
Henrik kept a special chair in the corner that no one else could use.
Henrik 在角落裡保留了一張專屬的椅子，其他人都不能用。
The library has a special room where students can practise musical instruments.
圖書館有一間特別的房間，讓學生可以在裡面練習樂器。
Rodrigo's father built a special shelf for his model airplane collection.
Rodrigo 的父親為他的模型飛機收藏做了一個專屬的架子。
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (PARTICULAR): sense 3 focuses on design for a function (e.g. a 'special tool' for a job), while this sense focuses on exclusive use (e.g. 'a special seat' reserved for someone). 'Special' in this sense is close to 'reserved' or 'exclusive'.
special — 名詞
- specialsingular
- specialsplural
1. a television programme created for a specific event, topic, or celebration, show
特別節目
為特定主題製作的電視節目
a television programme created for a specific event, topic, or celebration, shown separately from the usual series
The TV channel showed a special about the history of the space programme.
電視頻道播出了一個關於太空計畫歷史的特別節目。
countable noun: a special about [topic]
Nadia watched a special on penguins that was filmed in Antarctica.
Nadia 看了一個在南極拍攝的企鵝特別節目。
The network planned a New Year's special with famous singers from around the world.
電視臺計劃了一個新年特別節目，邀請世界各地的知名歌手。
Christopher recorded a wildlife special for his children to watch at the weekend.
Christopher 錄下了一個野生動物特別節目，讓孩子們週末觀看。
- episode
a single programme within a regular series; not the same as a one-off special
- documentary
a factual programme, but not necessarily a special
2. a dish prepared by a restaurant for one day only, separate from the usual menu c
特餐
餐廳當日特定供應的菜餚
a dish prepared by a restaurant for one day only, separate from the usual menu choices
The waiter told us that today's special was grilled fish with lemon and herbs.
服務生告訴我們今日特餐是香草檸檬烤魚。
common phrase: today's special
Ishaan ordered the lunch special because it came with soup and a drink.
Ishaan 點了午餐特餐，因為附贈湯品和飲料。
The diner's breakfast special includes two eggs, toast, and fresh fruit.
這家小餐館的早餐特餐包括兩顆蛋、吐司和新鮮水果。
Romi asked what the daily special was before deciding what to eat.
Romi 在決定要吃什麼之前先問了今日特餐是什麼。
3. an item that a business sells for less money than usual and makes available only
特價品；優惠
短期降價促銷的商品
an item that a business sells for less money than usual and makes available only for a short time
The supermarket had a special on coffee beans — two bags for the price of one.
超市的咖啡豆有特價——兩袋只要一份的價格。
phrase: have a special on [product]
Adina bought the running shoes because they were on special that week.
Adina 買了那雙跑步鞋，因為那週正好在特價。
This week's store specials include pasta, olive oil, and fresh tomatoes.
本週店內特價商品包括義大利麵、橄欖油和新鮮番茄。
Charlotte saw a special on winter coats and bought one for her trip to Canada.
Charlotte 看到冬季外套在特價，為她的加拿大之旅買了一件。
用法筆記
Common in the phrases 'on special' (being sold at a reduced price) and 'a special on [product]' (a promotion for a specific item). In American English, 'on sale' is more common than 'on special'.
常見錯誤
4. a volunteer police officer in the UK who works alongside regular officers withou
特別警察
英國志願兼任的警察人員
a volunteer police officer in the UK who works alongside regular officers without receiving a full salary, especially at local events or during emergencies
The special helped direct traffic outside the school during the morning rush.
這位特別警察在早上尖峰時段協助學校外的交通指揮。
British English; countable noun: a special / the specials
Henrik trained for six months before working as a special in his local town.
Henrik 訓練了六個月，才開始在他居住的小鎮擔任特別警察。
The police station relies on a team of specials to help with public events.
警察局依靠一群特別警察協助舉辦公共活動。
Camila volunteered as a special constable to help keep her neighbourhood safe.
Camila 自願擔任特別警察，協助維護社區的安全。
用法筆記
Almost always used in the UK. The full title is 'special constable', but it is commonly shortened to 'special' in informal British English. The plural form is 'specials'.