特殊
とくしゅ · tokushu · JLPT N2 · na-adj
special
🦄 特 (special) + 殊 (distinct): two characters that both mean not ordinary
Both characters carry the sense of being set apart from the usual. Together they form one fixed word, so learn them as a single unit.
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.