殊 — Special, Particular, Unusual

Meaning

The kanji 殊 (shuu, koto) conveys the meanings of 'special,' 'particular,' 'unusual,' and 'exceptional.' It describes something that stands out from the ordinary, possessing unique qualities or characteristics. When you encounter 殊, think of distinction, individuality, and anything notably different.

Its etymology provides insight into its conceptual origins. The character combines two main components: 歹 (gatsu), meaning 'death,' 'bone,' or 'evil,' and 朱 (shū), meaning 'vermilion' or 'red.' 朱 often depicts a tree trunk or a marked object.

The 'death' radical 歹 might seem out of place. However, ancient interpretations suggest it could signify something 'cut apart' or 'separated,' leading to the idea of distinction. The 朱 component, representing a tree trunk with a distinct mark, further reinforces the idea of something singled out or unique. Therefore, 殊 can be seen as something so distinctly marked or set apart that it becomes special or unusual. In some historical contexts, this distinctness could even be tragic. This combination highlights how breaking from the norm, whether positively or negatively, creates something 'special' or 'peculiar.'

This kanji has 10 strokes and is a Grade 8 Jōyō Kanji. Students in Japan typically learn it in junior high school. However, mastering its nuanced usage in complex compounds often requires higher JLPT levels, such as N1.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The On'yomi readings of 殊 are derived from ancient Chinese pronunciations. They are primarily used in compound words, where 殊 combines with other kanji to form complex concepts. For 殊, the most common On'yomi is シュ (SHU).

シュ (SHU)

This reading is common in many compound words where 殊 contributes the meaning of 'special,' 'unusual,' or 'exceptional.' You'll often find it in terms describing unique states, conditions, or actions that deviate from the standard.

特殊とくしゅ (tokushu) — special; unique; particular. This is one of the most common compounds, describing something with distinct characteristics. For instance, 特殊能力とくしゅのうりょく (tokushu nōryoku) means 'special ability.'
殊勝しゅしょう (shushō) — admirable; praiseworthy; commendable. Often used to describe someone's attitude or action that is exceptionally good or virtuous. Like 殊勝しゅしょうなな態度たいど (shushō na taido), an 'admirable attitude.'
殊勲しゅくん (shukun) — distinguished service; meritorious deed; great achievement. Refers to an outstanding accomplishment, particularly in battle or a competitive field. Such as 殊勲賞しゅくんしょう (shukunshō), an 'award for distinguished service.'

While トク (TOKU) is sometimes listed as an alternative On'yomi, it is far less common in modern Japanese, and you'll rarely encounter it in everyday or even advanced vocabulary.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations associated with the meaning of the kanji. They often appear as standalone words or as parts of inflected verbs and adjectives. For 殊, the main Kun'yomi is こと (koto), primarily seen in its adverbial form こと.に (koto ni).

こと (koto)

This reading is primarily found in adverbial phrases, emphasizing 'particularly,' 'especially,' or 'unusually.'

殊ことに (koto ni) — particularly; especially; above all. This phrase highlights something as being distinctively or uniquely important or true. For instance, 殊ことにに美うつくしいしい (koto ni utsukushii) means 'particularly beautiful.'
殊こと更さら (kotosara) — intentionally; deliberately; particularly; especially. This compound can imply both intentionality in making something special or merely an emphasis on its particularity. You might hear 殊こと更さらにに強調きょうちょうする (kotosara ni kyōchō suru) for 'to emphasize deliberately.'
殊ことのの外ほか (koto no hoka) — unusually; exceptionally; unexpectedly. This phrase describes something that exceeds expectations or is remarkably different from the norm. Such as 殊ことのの外ほか速はやいい (koto no hoka hayai), meaning 'unusually fast.'

These Kun'yomi readings enable 殊 to fit naturally within native Japanese sentence structures, adding nuances of emphasis and distinction to descriptions and situations.

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 殊 appears in a variety of words and compounds, often conveying uniqueness, exceptionalism, or particularity. Below are some key examples, grouped by their thematic emphasis:

Words emphasizing Specialness and Uniqueness

特殊とくしゅ (tokushu) — Special; unique; particular. This common word describes anything that deviates from the general or standard. (e.g., 特殊とくしゅなな技術ぎじゅつ - special technique)
特殊性とくしゅせい (tokushusei) — Peculiarity; uniqueness; special characteristic. Refers to the quality of being special or unique. (e.g., 日本にほん文化ぶんかの特殊性とくしゅせい - the unique characteristics of Japanese culture)
特とく殊しゅなな (tokushuna) — Special; unique (adjectival form). Used to describe things, people, or situations as distinct. (e.g., 特とく殊しゅなな事情じじょう - special circumstances)

Words related to Merit and Admiration

殊勝しゅしょう (shushō) — Admirable; praiseworthy; commendable. Often used for actions or attitudes that show exceptional virtue or effort. (e.g., 殊勝しゅしょうなな振ふるる舞まいい - admirable conduct)
殊勲しゅくん (shukun) — Distinguished service; meritorious deed; great achievement. Used in contexts of valor, sports, or significant accomplishments. (e.g., 殊勲しゅくんを上あげるげる - to perform a distinguished service)
殊勲賞しゅくんしょう (shukunshō) — Award for distinguished service; MVP award. An award given for outstanding performance or achievement. (e.g., 野球やきゅうの殊勲賞しゅくんしょう - baseball MVP award)

Adverbial and Emphatic Terms

殊ことに (koto ni) — Particularly; especially; above all. Used to emphasize one item or aspect among others. (e.g., 殊ことにに注目ちゅうもくすべき点てん - a particularly noteworthy point)
殊こと更さら (kotosara) — Intentionally; deliberately; particularly; especially. Can imply purposefulness or just a strong emphasis. (e.g., 殊こと更さら厳きびしいしい態度たいど - a deliberately stern attitude)
殊ことのの外ほか (koto no hoka) — Unusually; exceptionally; unexpectedly. Describes something that is far from the norm. (e.g., 殊ことのの外ほか元気げんき - unusually energetic)

Words involving Exceptional Treatment or Talent

殊遇しゅぐう (shuguu) — Special treatment; cordial reception. Receiving exceptionally favorable treatment. (e.g., 大統領だいとうりょうへの殊遇しゅぐう - special treatment for the president)
殊栄しゅえい (shuei) — Rare honor; special honor. Being granted a distinct and uncommon honor. (e.g., 叙勲じょくんの殊栄しゅえい - the special honor of receiving a decoration)
殊才しゅさい (shusai) — Exceptional talent; genius. Refers to someone possessing extraordinary abilities. (e.g., 数学すうがくの殊才しゅさい - a mathematical genius)

Example Sentences

この事件じけんは極きわめてめて特殊とくしゅなケースとして扱あつかわれた

Kono jiken wa kiwamete tokushuna kēsu to shite atsukawareta.

This incident was handled as an extremely special case.

彼かれの研究けんきゅうは、その分野ぶんやにおいて殊ことににユニークなものだ。

Kare no kenkyū wa, sono bun'ya ni oite koto ni yūnīkuna mono da.

His research is particularly unique in that field.

彼女かのじょの殊勝しゅしょうな態度たいどは、皆みなの感動かんどうを呼よんだ

Kanojo no shushōna taido wa, mina no kandō o yonda.

Her admirable attitude moved everyone.

今日は殊ことのの外ほか寒さむいいので、暖あたたかくしてかくして出でかけてください

Kyō wa koto no hoka samui node, atatakakushite dekakete kudasai.

It's unusually cold today, so please dress warmly when you go out.

歴史れきしに残のこるる殊勲しゅくんを上あげたげた選手せんしゅを称たたえる

Rekishi ni nokoru shukun o ageta senshu o tataeru.

To praise the player who achieved a distinguished service that will remain in history.

その仕事しごとは殊こと更さらに注意ちゅういを要ようするする繊細せんさいなものだ

Sono shigoto wa kotosara ni chūi o yōsuru sensaina mono da.

That job is particularly delicate, requiring special attention.

彼かれは外国がいこくからの賓客ひんきゃくとして殊遇しゅぐうを受うけた

Kare wa gaikoku kara no hinkyaku to shite shuguu o uketa.

He received special treatment as a guest from abroad.

現代げんだいの科学かがくでは未いまだだ解明かいめいされていない特殊とくしゅな現象げんしょうが多おおい

Gendai no kagaku de wa imada kaimei sarete inai tokushuna genshō ga ooi.

There are many special phenomena that modern science has yet to elucidate.

私わたしは殊ことにに日本にほんの伝統でんとう文化ぶんかに興味きょうみを持もっている

Watashi wa koto ni Nihon no dentō bunka ni kyōmi o motte iru.

I am particularly interested in traditional Japanese culture.

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 殊, think about its components: 歹 (bone/death) and 朱 (vermilion/tree). Imagine a tree (朱) that has been distinctly marked or carved into a unique shape, perhaps even resembling a bone (歹). This carving makes it "special" or "unusual" compared to other trees. Alternatively, think of a special, vermilion-colored bone that is truly one-of-a-kind. The goal is to create a vivid mental image of something uniquely distinct or exceptionally different, linking the visual elements to the core meaning of 'special' or 'particular.' This visual connection helps cement the meaning in your memory.