The special word method deals with the few dozen special words that exist in all languages. Familiar examples are also, when, that, because, only, this,.... Rashi's job, when he comments on a special connective words, is to list the varied nuances and usages of the word. The most famous example is the Hebrew word Kaph Yud which can mean because, that, when, perhaps, rather, if. Sometimes Rashi explicitly gives all meanings of a connective word as happens with Kaph Yud while at other times Rashi does not give all meanings at once. In such a case the student must gather all the meanings together from various places.

Rashi following the Talmudic exegetes re-interpreted all superfluous relative pronouns as being modified with the adverb, only. This gives an unspecified restrictive emphasis. Hence Rashi interprets verse Ex13-09c by inserting the underlined word only: Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying: In the tenth day of only this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household; The actual Rashi comment is: Only the original Passover in Egypt required separating the Pascal meal offering on the 10th of Nissan.