殊 (shū) - different & special

殊Tone 1

shū ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

姝树

殊 · shū

different;

special;

outstanding;

very;

to die;

to cut off

differentspecialoutstanding

Usage highlights

special circumstancesoutstanding achievementcompletely differentspecial caseunusual talentdeath penalty

Synonyms

  • 异— different, unusual
  • 特— special, particular
  • 殊异— completely different

Antonyms

  • 同— same, identical
  • 常— ordinary, common
  • 普通— ordinary, normal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The two cases are completely different (情况殊异).
  • This is a special case (特殊情况).
  • He has made outstanding achievements (殊勋).
  • The scenery is exceptionally beautiful (风景殊丽).

Collocations

  • special circumstances(殊况)
  • outstanding achievement(殊勋)
  • completely different(殊异)
  • special case(殊例)
  • unusual talent(殊才)
  • death penalty(殊死)

Idioms

  • All roads lead to Rome(殊途同归)
  • Life-and-death struggle(殊死搏斗)
  • Completely different(迥然不同)
  • Outstanding achievement(殊功异德)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'to execute by decapitation' in ancient Chinese, later extended to mean 'to die' and 'to cut off'.
  • Developed meanings of 'different', 'special', and 'outstanding' through semantic extension from the concept of separation and distinction.
  • Used in Buddhist texts to denote 'special' or 'extraordinary' qualities or states.

FAQ