特定
tèdìng · HSK 5
specifically
🎯 特 (special) + 定 (fixed) = specifically fixed/designated
特 means special or particular; 定 means to fix or settle. Together: a specifically designated or ad-hoc case. Common in formal contexts like 特定条件 (specific conditions) or 特定人群 (a given group).
特 — cow 牛 + temple 寺 (phonetic)
Originally referred to a male bull or large ox, with 牛 'cow' as the meaning component and 寺 supplying the sound. Over time it shifted from 'bull' to 'special, particular, unique,' the sense used today.
定 — roof 宀 + 正 (correct/upright, phonetic)
Originally written with 宀 (roof) over 正 (upright/correct), suggesting a household settled and orderly under its roof. Over time 正 simplified to 㐬-like form at the bottom, and the meaning shifted from 'settled home' to the broader senses of 'fix, stable, decide.'