HSK 6 · VERSION 2.0#94

Comparing “gùyì” and “tèyì”

故意 vs 特意

gùyì vs tèyì

How it works

Both words describe intentional action, but their tone is different.

故意 (gùyì) means deliberately / on purpose, and often has a negative, provocative, or blame-related tone.

特意 (tèyì) means especially / specially / purposely for a certain reason, and usually has a neutral or positive tone.

我不是故意不接你电话，只是当时正在开会，手机调成了静音。

Wǒ bú shì gùyì bù jiē nǐ diànhuà, zhǐshì dāngshí zhèngzài kāihuì, shǒujī tiáo chéng le jìngyīn.

I did not deliberately avoid your call; I was just in a meeting at the time and my phone was on silent.

他明知道那句话会伤人，却还是故意当着大家的面说出来。

Tā míng zhīdào nà jù huà huì shāngrén, què háishi gùyì dāngzhe dàjiā de miàn shuō chūlái.

He clearly knew that sentence would hurt people, yet he still deliberately said it in front of everyone.

她今天是特意过来送资料的，办完事还得马上赶回去。

Tā jīntiān shì tèyì guòlái sòng zīliào de, bàn wán shì hái děi mǎshàng gǎn huíqù.

She came over specially today to deliver the materials, and after finishing she has to hurry back immediately.

我没提前告诉你，是想特意给你一个惊喜。

Wǒ méi tíqián gàosu nǐ, shì xiǎng tèyì gěi nǐ yí ge jīngxǐ.

I did not tell you in advance because I wanted to give you a surprise on purpose.

故意 (gùyì) often implies blame or negative intent. 特意 (tèyì) usually implies thoughtful or purposeful action without negative tone.