# とりわけ: especially; above all ~ > Learn how to use とりわけ, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning especially; above all, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-toriwake/ **とりわけ** means **especially; above all ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar point that lets you single out one item as the most notable within a group — the one that really stands out. This adverb often appears in essays, formal writing, news, and everyday conversation. If you want to highlight that something is *the* standout — more than just “mainly” or “generally” — **とりわけ** gives your Japanese a natural, precise edge.

When you want to emphasize that something stands out above all others in a group, とりわけ is your go-to adverb.

## What does とりわけ mean? Use **とりわけ** when you want to pick one thing out of a group and say **this one especially stands out**. It implies that you’ve already acknowledged the whole set, but now you’re shining a spotlight on the most prominent member. Natural translations include: - especially; above all; particularly; more than anything The exact English word depends on the sentence, but the core idea is always **this one stands out conspicuously among the others**. ## How to form とりわけ Formation is simple: place **とりわけ** directly before the word or phrase you want to highlight.

とりわけ + adjective / verb / noun phrase

It often appears inside a larger structure that first names the group, like: - Aの中(なか)で、とりわけXが… - Aはどれも〜が、とりわけXが… No conjugation or particle attachment is needed; **とりわけ** itself is a fixed adverb. ## When is とりわけ used? Use **とりわけ** in situations like: - picking one standout from a list or collection (foods, seasons, people’s qualities, works of art) - expressing personal judgement about what is most remarkable - adding emphasis to an opinion or description Tone and register: - slightly formal, frequently found in written Japanese, but also natural in careful speech - common in reviews, critiques, and explanations where nuance matters It’s not just “especially”. It carries the weight of “among them all, this one really is **the** one.” ## とりわけ example sentences

この店の料理はどれも美味しいが、とりわけラーメンが絶品だ。

All the dishes at this restaurant are delicious, but the ramen is especially superb.

food

彼女はとりわけ数学が得意だ。

She is especially good at math (among all subjects).

ability

今年の夏はとりわけ暑い。

This summer is especially hot (compared to other years).

weather

この問題はとりわけ難しい。

This problem is especially difficult (among the set).

school

彼の作品の中で、とりわけこの絵が印象的だ。

Among his works, this painting is especially impressive.

art

とりわけ注意すべき点は、時間の制限だ。

The point to note especially is the time limit.

instruction

After reading each sentence, ask: which member of the group is being pulled to the front? That’s exactly what とりわけ does. ## Nuance of とりわけ The key nuance is **this one stands out above all others in a given set**. It’s not just “particularly” — it’s the speaker’s way of saying, “If I had to pick one, this is the one that draws the most attention.” This matters because learners often use a catch-all like 特に(とくに) when they really mean “above all others”. とりわけ adds a layer of comparison: the speaker has taken stock of the whole group and then placed one member on a higher tier. That feeling of **conspicuous distinction** is what makes the pattern feel natural and sophisticated. ## とりわけ vs 特に(とくに) Both **とりわけ** and **特に(とくに)** can be translated as “especially,” but they are not interchangeable.

とりわけ

singles out one standout from a known group

When you compare multiple items and want to crown the most remarkable

数(かず)ある和菓子(わかし)の中(なか)で、とりわけどら焼き(どらやき)が好き(すき)だ。

Among all the many Japanese sweets, I especially like dorayaki (above the rest).

特に(とくに)

general emphasis; can be used without a clear comparison set

When you simply want to stress that something is notable, without implying a full group survey

今日(きょう)は特に(とくに)疲れ(つかれ)た。

I’m especially tired today. (no group is implied)

If you can rephrase the sentence with “above all others” and it still fits, とりわけ is a strong candidate. If not, 特に(とくに) is often the safer, more neutral choice. ## Common mistakes with とりわけ

❌

とりわけ日本が好きだ。

✅

色々な国の中で、とりわけ日本が好きだ。

Without a clear comparison group, とりわけ feels incomplete. Make sure the group is mentioned or clearly implied.

❌

とりわけ特別な日だ。

✅

今日はとりわけ特別な日だ。

Don’t confuse とりわけ with the adjective 特別(とくべつ). とりわけ is an adverb, so it should modify a predicate, not a noun directly in a fixed noun phrase (though you can say とりわけ特別(とくべつ)な).

❌

全員が賛成した。とりわけ彼が強く主張した。

✅

全員が賛成したが、とりわけ彼が強く主張した。

とりわけ still needs to feel like a spotlight on one element of a larger whole. If the two clauses are disconnected, the standout nuance is lost.

A quick self-check: After writing your sentence, if someone asks “among what?”, you should be able to answer instantly. If not, make the context clearer. ## Is とりわけ on the JLPT?

とりわけ appears in JLPT N1 materials, especially in reading-comprehension passages and vocabulary sections where synonyms for “especially” are tested. It’s not as frequent as 特に(とくに), but the exam expects you to recognize it and understand its nuance under time pressure.

✅ Recognize it in context ✅ Distinguish it from 特に(とくに), 殊に(ことに), 何(なん)より ✅ Use it correctly in a short sentence

## Practice questions for とりわけ

Think of a hobby where you enjoy many aspects. Write a sentence using とりわけ to highlight the one element you love the most.

personal

Describe a season. What is the single thing that stands out about it compared to the others? Use とりわけ.

seasons

You’re recommending a movie or book to a friend. Pick the most outstanding element (acting, plot, soundtrack) and phrase it with とりわけ.

recommendation

Write about a person you respect. List two or three admirable qualities, then use とりわけ to emphasize the one you find most impressive.

people

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the spotlight structure feels natural, add richer context to make the standout clear. ## Learning path for とりわけ To master **とりわけ** efficiently, start by locking in the “group → standout” logic, then compare it with alternatives, and finally use it in varied situations. 1. **Understand the core mechanism**: Picture a shelf full of objects. とりわけ is the gesture that points to the one that glitters. Practice forming sentences where you first mention a group (～の中(なか)で, ～が並ぶ(ならぶ), etc.) and then drop the spotlight. 2. **Compare with [特に(とくに)](/blog/n1-toshita-koto-ga/)** (though not directly similar, you can contrast the level of emphasis) — but really, the key contrast pattern is **特に(とくに)**, which we treat in section 6. When studying flashcards, note the difference in implied comparison. 3. **Use authentic sources**: Read product reviews, travel blogs, or restaurant critiques in Japanese. Highlight every instance of とりわけ and note what group the writer first established. 4. **Produce variations**: Write a sentence with とりわけ, then replace it with 特に(とくに) and 何(なん)より. Ask yourself: does the sentence lose the “above all others” feeling? If so, とりわけ was the right choice. 5. **Speak it**: In a conversation about food, movies, or places, consciously insert とりわけ when you genuinely want to crown one item. The feedback — whether your listener nods with understanding — tells you if the group was clear enough. ## Related grammar to review next - [としたことが](/blog/n1-toshita-koto-ga/) — because it also singles out an unexpected standout (someone of a certain status acting unusually) - [とも～とも](/blog/n1-tomo-tomo/) — because it also marks extremes within a group, highlighting both ends - [とっさに](/blog/n1-tossa-ni/) — because it also points to a singular instant reaction that stands out from the norm - [ともすれば](/blog/n1-tomo-sureba/) — because it also picks out a prevailing tendency that rises above others ## Learn とりわけ with Hane If you want to review **とりわけ** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)