HSK 6 · VERSION 2.0#23
Expressing “On Purpose” with “tèyì”
特意
How it works
特意 (tèyì) means “especially,” “deliberately for a purpose,” or “to make a special effort to.” It emphasizes that someone does something intentionally and often with positive, thoughtful, or purposeful motivation.
Compared with 故意 (gùyì), 特意 (tèyì) usually does not carry a negative tone.
Example sentences
他今天专门从很远的地方赶过来，就是特意来向你当面道谢的。
He came all the way from far away today specifically to thank you in person.
我没有提前告诉你，是想特意给你一个惊喜。
I did not tell you in advance because I wanted to surprise you.
她知道你最近压力很大，所以特意抽时间来看看你。
She knew you had been under a lot of pressure recently, so she specially made time to come see you.
Key point
特意 (tèyì) emphasizes purposeful action, usually with thoughtful or positive intention.