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particular

par-tee-koo-larpaɾ.ti.kuˈlaɾ

“particular” means “specific” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

specific, particular

Also: special, private
Adjectivem/f (invariable in form)A2
A high-quality storybook illustration showing a group of three identical red apples, where a bright, focused spotlight shines intensely on only one of the apples, highlighting it against a simple background.

📝 In Action

Necesito una razón particular para justificar mi ausencia.

B1

I need a specific reason to justify my absence.

Ella tiene una manera particular de ver el mundo.

A2

She has a particular way of seeing the world.

En este caso particular, la regla no aplica.

A2

In this particular case, the rule does not apply.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • caso particular – specific case
  • interés particular – private interest

private individual, private tutor

Also: private lesson, client
Nounm/fB1neutral/formal
Spain
A colorful storybook illustration featuring a friendly woman standing on the porch of a small, cozy, brightly colored house, holding a simple key in her hand, representing a private individual.

📝 In Action

La venta se hizo de particular a particular, sin intermediarios.

B2

The sale was made from one private individual to another, without intermediaries.

Mi hijo necesita un particular que le ayude con el inglés.

B1

My son needs a private tutor to help him with English.

Soy un particular; no represento a ninguna empresa.

B1

I am a private individual; I don't represent any company.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • empresa (company)
  • institución (institution)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: particular

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'particular' to mean 'a private person' (noun)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
particularmente(particularly) — Adverb
particularidad(particularity/peculiarity) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin *particularis*, meaning 'pertaining to a small part' or 'partial.' It emphasizes focusing on one item rather than the whole group.

First recorded: Middle Ages

Cognates (Related words)

English: particularFrench: particulier

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'particular' and 'privado'?

Both can mean 'private,' but they focus on different aspects. 'Privado' usually means 'restricted access' or 'secret' (e.g., 'fiesta privada' - private party). 'Particular' means 'personal,' 'individual,' or 'unique to one person' (e.g., 'gusto particular' - personal taste).

Does 'particular' change for masculine and feminine nouns?

When used as an adjective (meaning 'specific' or 'unique'), no! It is one of the adjectives that stays the same, whether you are talking about 'un caso particular' (masculine) or 'una situación particular' (feminine). It only changes to 'particulares' in the plural.