The actual meaning of 別に (べつに)


Though this question has been asked a lot, I do not find any explanation with
the literal meaning and the logic behind the expression (with 別 referring to
"distinction").

As a result, it's difficult to understand the difference between this
expression and expressions like 特に, both being translated as "[not]
particularly". Furthermore, I have trouble understanding how 別に with this
meaning is translated in negative sentences as "it's not like ..." such as in
"別に欲しくない" being translated as "it's not like I want it or anything".

If you were to literally translate the meaning of this expression in English,
what would it be?




特に is an objective expression and can be used in formal or academic writing.
On the other hand, 別に sounds much more informal. Depending on the context, 別に
can easily sound like saying "meh".

Both 別に欲しくありません and 特に欲しくありません basically mean "I don't want it in particular",
but it is recommended to use the latter when you want to sound polite. (When
you want to fend off salespeople or telemarketing calls, using the former is
just fine!)

