especiales
/ehs-peh-SYAH-lehs/
special
This bright, unique star shows how something can be especial (special).
especiales(Adjective)
special
?unique or exceptional
,specific
?related to a particular thing
exceptional
?better than average
,extraordinary
?beyond the usual
📝 In Action
Necesitamos herramientas especiales para ese trabajo.
A1We need special tools for that job.
Tengo recuerdos especiales de mis vacaciones en Perú.
A2I have special memories from my vacation in Peru.
Las instrucciones especiales están en la página cinco.
B1The specific instructions are on page five.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'especiales' ends in '-es', it is the plural form. It must be used with plural nouns, regardless of whether they are masculine (días especiales) or feminine (personas especiales).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular Form with Plural Nouns
Mistake: "Los regalos especial."
Correction: The correct form is 'Los regalos especiales.' Always add the '-es' when describing more than one thing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement is Flexible
Like many Spanish adjectives, 'especiales' usually goes after the noun (regalos especiales). However, placing it before the noun (especiales regalos) makes the meaning more emotional, emphasizing that the items are cherished.
The chef is presenting the daily especiales (specials), which are the featured meals.
especiales(Noun)
specials
?featured items or offers, usually food or discounts
special units
?e.g., police or military forces
📝 In Action
¿Cuáles son los especiales del día en el restaurante?
B1What are the specials of the day at the restaurant?
La tienda tiene muchos especiales este fin de semana.
B1The store has many special offers this weekend.
Los especiales de la policía intervinieron rápidamente.
C1The police special units intervened quickly.
💡 Grammar Points
Implied Nouns
When used as a noun, 'especiales' often implies a specific noun that was left out, like 'platos' (dishes) or 'equipos' (teams). It is almost always masculine plural (los especiales).
⭐ Usage Tips
Checking the Menu
If you are in a Spanish-speaking country and ask '¿Qué hay de especiales?' you are specifically asking for the daily or limited-time food or drink items.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: especiales
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'especiales' as a noun (meaning 'offers')?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'especiales' is an adjective or a noun?
Look at the words around it. If it is describing a plural noun (e.g., 'días especiales'), it's an adjective. If it is preceded by an article like 'los' or 'unos' and stands alone (e.g., 'los especiales'), it is being used as a noun, usually meaning 'offers' or 'units'.