noun HSK 4
characteristic · distinctive feature · special feature · local flavor
Meaning
特色 refers to the distinctive or unique characteristics that make something stand out from others. It emphasizes what makes something special, different, or memorable, whether it's a place, food, culture, product, or person.
Usage
Commonly used to describe local specialties, regional characteristics, or unique qualities of products and services. Often appears in phrases like 地方特色 (local characteristics) or 特色菜 (signature dish). It carries a positive connotation, highlighting what makes something worth noticing or experiencing.
Examples
- 01这家餐厅的特色菜是北京烤鸭。.This restaurant's signature dish is Peking duck.
- 02苏州园林是江南地区的建筑特色。.Suzhou gardens are an architectural characteristic of the Jiangnan region.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种特色
- 个一个特色
Common collocations
- 特色菜signature dish, specialty dish
- 地方特色local characteristics
- 民族特色ethnic characteristics
- 有特色to have distinctive features, to be special
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 特 (special) and 色 (color/characteristic). The character 色 extends from its meaning of 'color' to mean 'quality' or 'characteristic,' as colors distinguish things visually.