About
The character 特 has a history that begins with a concrete, zoological meaning before expanding into its modern abstract sense. Its structure, composed of the components 牛 (cow) and 寺, originally denoted a male bovine, specifically a bull, with the 寺 component likely serving a phonetic function. From this specific referent, the meaning broadened to signify something set apart or distinct, as a prized bull might be within a herd, eventually solidifying into the general adjectives "special" or "particular". This semantic shift from a tangible object to a quality of distinction represents the primary evolution of the character, whose form has remained largely consistent, with the traditional version being identical to the one in common use today.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个蛋糕特别好吃。
他的特点是很聪明。
这家餐厅的特色菜很好。
今天商场有特价活动，很多人来购物。
这个地区的特产是水果。
由于情况特殊，我们需要采取特别措施。
这部电影的特效做得非常逼真，给观众留下了深刻印象。
在经济特区，政府实施了一系列优惠政策以吸引外资。