speciální

Speciální is a Czech adjective meaning "special" or "particular." It describes things that are set apart because they are designed for a specific purpose, are atypical, or require special attention. The term appears in everyday language as well as in technical and institutional contexts, for example speciální nabídka (special offer), speciální edice (special edition), speciální účel (special purpose), and speciální vzdělávání (special education).

Etymology and formality: Speciální originates from Latin specialis, meaning "of a kind" or "particular," with transmission through the various European languages into Czech. Like other Czech adjectives, speciální inflects to agree with the noun in gender, number, and case, and it is used both attributively and predicatively.

Usage and collocations: The adjective is common in compound terms that denote purpose or modification, such as speciální zařízení (special equipment), speciální režim (special regime), or speciální potřeby (special needs). It is also used in headlines and media to denote items that are not standard or routine, such as speciální vydání (special issue) of a publication.

Nuance and relation to synonyms: A close synonym is zvláštní, which can convey unusual or remarkable rather than purpose-built. Speciální tends to emphasize deliberate design, adaptation, or restriction to a particular function, whereas zvláštní can focus more on peculiarity or rarity.

See also: Special education, Special edition, Special purpose.