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.
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.
It often appears inside a larger structure that first names the group, like:
- Aの中で、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
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 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
Both とりわけ and 特に can be translated as “especially,” but they are not interchangeable.
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 is often the safer, more neutral choice.
Common mistakes with とりわけ
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, but the exam expects you to recognize it and understand its nuance under time pressure.
Practice questions for とりわけ
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.
- 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 (～の中で, ～が並ぶ, etc.) and then drop the spotlight.
- Compare with 特に (though not directly similar, you can contrast the level of emphasis) — but really, the key contrast pattern is 特に, which we treat in section 6. When studying flashcards, note the difference in implied comparison.
- 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.
- Produce variations: Write a sentence with とりわけ, then replace it with 特に and 何より. Ask yourself: does the sentence lose the “above all others” feeling? If so, とりわけ was the right choice.
- 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 — because it also singles out an unexpected standout (someone of a certain status acting unusually)
- とも～とも — because it also marks extremes within a group, highlighting both ends
- とっさに — because it also points to a singular instant reaction that stands out from the norm
- ともすれば — 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.
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FAQ about とりわけ
What does とりわけ mean in Japanese?
とりわけ means “especially; above all ~” in Japanese. It is an N1 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is とりわけ on the JLPT?
とりわけ is taught as N1 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N1 patterns.
How should I practice とりわけ?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after とりわけ, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.