Structure
別に + Verb[ない]
別に + [い]Adjective[ない]
別に + [な]Adjective + ではない(1)
別に + Noun + ではない(1)
(1) じゃない
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Standard
使用域
一般
About 別に〜ない
When paired with ない (either the い-Adjective or the auxiliary verb), the adverb 別に 'separately' changes slightly in definition to that of 特に 'especially'. Let's have a look at a few examples.
- 私は別に構わないけど、お父さんはそういうの気にするから、お父さんの前ではそういう事言わないでね。I actually don't mind, but my dad cares a lot about things like that, so please don't say such things in front of him.
- 別に痛くないよ。少しチクってするだけ。It's not really painful. It just stings a little.
- あなたの事は別に嫌いではないよ。ただあなたと何について話せばいいか分からないだけ。It's not that I don't like you at all. It's just that I don't know what to talk about with you.
- パーティーってみんな言っているけど、別にそんなに大したものではないよ。Everyone is calling it a party, but it is actually not that big of a deal.
Caution
別に will quite often be paired with わけではない, as they both express uncertainty. However, it should never be paired with わけがない, as this would be combining a statement that removes certainty, with one that adds certainty.- 別にケーキが嫌いというわけではない。今は食べたくないだけ。It is not that I dislike cakes. I just don't want one right now.
- 別にケーキが嫌いというわけがない。今は食べたくないだけ。It is not that I SO don't not like cakes. I just don't want any right now. (Grammatically correct, but very confusing for the listener)
Synonyms
Examples
トムが悪いとは別に言っていないよ。
I'm not really saying that Tom is bad.
私はそんなに音楽がうるさくても、別に気にしない。
Even if the music is that loud, I don't really care.
別に自分が汗だらけになってもかまわないが、他の人の汗は嫌です。
I don't really mind being drenched in sweat, but I don't like other people's sweat.
別に夢がないわけではないよ。
It is not that I don't really have a dream.
別に楽しくないわけではない。少し疲れているだけだ。
It is not like I am not particularly having fun. I am just a bit tired.
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別に〜ない – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (2 in total)
someone2020
About 4 years ago
What’s the nuance/difference between this, もっとも。。ない、とても。。ない、and すこしも。。ない?
Daru
About 1 year ago
Nuance and degree!
最も~ない - Least of all
とても~ない - Not at all
少しもない - Not in the slightest
別に~ない - Not particularlyThey resemble each other, but the basic meaning is easy to tell from the kanji! Hope this helps.
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