Translation and Meaning of: 副 - toriwake

The Japanese word 副[とりわけ] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. If you've ever wondered about its exact meaning, how to use it correctly, or even its origin, this article will clarify those questions. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide detailed and precise explanations to facilitate your study.

In addition to exploring the translation and use of とりわけ, let's dive into its cultural context and frequency in the daily lives of the Japanese. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or to better understand the nuances of the language, this guide will help you master this expression in a natural way.

Meaning and usage of とりわけ

The term とりわけ, written with the kanji 副, means "especially," "particularly," or "above all." It is used to highlight something within a group or context, emphasizing a specific element. For example, if someone says "とりわけこの本が好きです," they are stating that they especially like that book compared to others.

Unlike similar words such as 特に (especially) or 特に (particularly), とりわけ carries a more formal and literary tone. Although it is not uncommon in daily life, it appears more frequently in written texts, speeches, or situations that require a more polished register. Its excessive use in informal conversations may sound artificial.

Origin and writing of the kanji 副

The kanji 副, which is part of the word とりわけ, has Chinese origin and means "vice-" or "auxiliary." Its composition is interesting: the radical 刂 (knife) appears next to the component 畐, which refers to the idea of duplication. Together, they suggest the notion of something that complements or is alongside the main – hence the association with "especially" in the context of とりわけ.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji 副 is the most common way to write とりわけ, this word often appears only in hiragana in modern writing. This happens because many Japanese consider the kanji too formal or even archaic for everyday use. In contemporary texts, it is more likely to find とりわけ than 副わけ.

Tips for memorizing and using とりわけ

An effective way to remember とりわけ is to associate it with situations where you want to highlight something elegantly. Think of phrases like "とりわけ彼の努力が目立った" (his efforts stood out particularly) to recall its use in contexts of acknowledgment or praise. This word works well when you want to give a more refined tone to your speech.

Interestingly, とりわけ appears quite frequently in political or ceremonial speeches in Japan, where formality is valued. If you watch official announcements, you might notice its use to emphasize important points. This characteristic helps to better understand the appropriate level of language for this expression.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

副 (fuku) - Auxiliary
副作用 (fuku sayō) - Side effect
副詞 (fuku shi) - Adverb (type of word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb)
副業 (fuku gyō) - Secondary job
副社長 (fuku shachō) - Vice-president
副大統領 (fuku daitōryō) - Vice President (political)
副腎 (fuku jin) - Adrenal gland (body organ)
副作 (fuku saku) - Secondary (or auxiliary) work
副総理 (fuku sōri) - Deputy Prime Minister
副専攻 (fuku senkō) - Secondary specialization
副葬 (fuku sō) - Funeral assistant
副産物 (fuku sanbutsu) - By-product
副音声 (fuku onsei) - Secondary audio (like an alternative audio version)
副腎皮質ホルモン (fuku jin hishitsu horumon) - Hormone of the cortical layer of the adrenal gland
副作用のある (fuku sayō no aru) - That has a side effect
副作用がある (fuku sayō ga aru) - It has side effects.
副作用がある薬 (fuku sayō ga aru kusuri) - Medication that has a side effect
副作用がある医薬品 (fuku sayō ga aru iyakuhin) - Medication that has side effects (more generic term for medications)