Translation and Meaning of: 別 - betsu

The Japanese word 「別」 (betsu) is a term that carries the meaning of "separate" or "different." Etymologically, the expression has roots in the Chinese language, deriving from the character 別 (Bié), which also means "to separate" or "to distinguish." The use of 「別」 is quite common in the Japanese language and is often employed to indicate distinction or difference between objects, ideas, or even people.

The radical of 「別」 is 刂 (katana, meaning a sword or knife), which often appears in characters related to cuts or separations. This radical helps to solidify the concept of separation or distinction embedded in the very nature of the term. In practice, the word can be used in various situations in everyday life, such as when mentioning different categories, classifications, or distinguishing something as unique or special.

In the linguistic context, 「別」 (betsu) can be used in various ways. For example, in a commercial or social environment, it can be employed to delineate between distinct options, such as a "different" dish in a restaurant or a separate lifestyle choice. Furthermore, it can be combined with other words to create compound terms, such as 別々 (べつべつ, betsubetsu) which means "separately" or "individually." The capacity of 「別」 to adapt to multiple contexts highlights its relevance and centrality in Japanese vocabulary.

In addition to its practical function, the expression carries a certain cultural weight. In Japan, where harmony and the collective are often prioritized, choosing or pointing out something as 「別」 can be significant in expressing individuality or differentiating elements within a group. This can also be applied in emotional or philosophical contexts, where the joining or separating of feelings and ideas plays an important role.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 異なる (Kotonaru) - Different, that distinguishes itself from something
• 別の (Betsu no) - Other, different from, which is not the same
• 別れる (Wakareru) - Separate, distance yourself, end a relationship
• 分ける (Wakeru) - Divide, separate into distinct parts
• 区別する (Kuwabetsu suru) - Distinguish, make a distinction between things

別

Romaji: betsu
Kana: べつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: distinction; difference; different; other; particular; separate; extra; exception

Meaning in English: distinction;difference;different;another;particular;separate;extra;exception

Definition: To distinguish between things, people, etc.

Example Sentences - (別) betsu

See below some example sentences:

差別は許されません。

Sabetsu wa yurusaremasen

Discrimination is not allowed.

Discrimination is not allowed.

• 差別 - discrimination
• は - Topic particle
• 許されません - not allowed

私たちは別荘で夏休みを過ごしました。

Watashitachi wa bessou de natsuyasumi o sugoshimashita

We spend the summer vacation in a country house.

We spend summer holidays in the village.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 別荘で - location "in the country house"
• 夏休みを - summer vacation" period
• 過ごしました - verb "passamos"

人種差別は許されない。

Jinshu sabetsu wa yurusarenai

Racial discrimination is not allowed.

Racial discrimination is not allowed.

• 人種差別 - Racial discrimination
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - Not allowed

このレストランの料理は格別です。

Kono resutoran no ryōri wa kakubetsu desu

The food at this restaurant is exceptional.

This restaurant is exceptional.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• レストラン - noun meaning "restaurant"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 格別 - adjective meaning "exceptional" or "extraordinary"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

クリスマスは家族と一緒に過ごす特別な日です。

Kurisumasu wa kazoku to issho ni sugosu tokubetsu na hi desu

Christmas is a special day spent with family.

Christmas is a special day to spend with your family.

• クリスマス (kurisumasu) - Christmas
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 家族 (kazoku) - family
• と (to) - connecting particle
• 一緒に (issho ni) - together
• 過ごす (sugosu) - spend time)
• 特別な (tokubetsu na) - special
• 日 (hi) - day
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

個別に対応します。

Kobetsu ni taiou shimasu

I will deal with this individually.

We will respond individually.

• 個別に - individually
• 対応します - respond, answer

別に何でもない。

Betsu ni nandemo nai

It's nothing in particular.

Nothing separately.

• 別に - "it's nothing in particular"
• 何でも - "anything"
• ない - "does not exist"

別々に行きましょう。

Wakarebanashi ni ikimashou

Let's each go separately.

Let's go separately.

• 別々に - adverb that means "separately" or "individually"
• 行きましょう - verb that means "let's go" or "let's leave"

区別する能力は重要です。

Kubetsu suru nouryoku wa juuyou desu

The ability to distinguish is important.

• 区別する - Verb meaning "to distinguish" or "to differentiate".
• 能力 - Noun meaning "ability" or "capacity".
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "ability to distinguish".
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or respectful way of expressing oneself in Japanese.

性別を尊重しましょう。

Seibetsu wo sonchou shimashou

Let's respect gender.

Respect gender.

• 性別 (seibetsu) - genre
• を (wo) - object particle
• 尊重 (sonchou) - Respect
• しましょう (shimashou) - polite form of the verb "to do"