特別
とくべつ · tokubetsu · JLPT N4 · na-adj
special
🎁 特別 = special (特) + separate (別): set apart from the rest
特 means special or exceptional, as in 特急 (limited express). 別 means separate or different, as in 別々 (separately). Together: something separated out as exceptional. Sound hook: toku-betsu, you took the best one, the special one.
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.