Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Detail" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "detail", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
詳しく
詳しく (kuwashiku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
つぶさに
つぶさに (tsubusani)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "detail" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 詳しく and つぶさに.
In Japanese, 詳しく (詳しく (kuwashiku)) is typically associated with "in detail; thoroughly; precisely (adverbial form of 詳しい)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when asking for or giving more specific information. Often follows verbs like 「説明する」.
On the other hand, つぶさに (つぶさに (tsubusani)) maps to "in detail, thoroughly, minutely" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies observing, describing, or investigating something very carefully and thoroughly, leaving no detail out. Often used with verbs like 調べる. A literal translation of "detail" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "詳しく"
そのことについて、もっと詳しく教えてください。
Please tell me more about that in detail.
Bilingual Context for "つぶさに"
彼はその事故の状況をつぶさに警察に説明した。
He explained the circumstances of the accident in detail to the police.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "そのことについて、もっと ＿＿＿ 教えてください。" (Meaning: "Please tell me more about that in detail.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "詳しく" fits here because it means "in detail; thoroughly; precisely (adverbial form of 詳しい)" in the context of: "Please tell me more about that in detail.". "つぶさに" represents "in detail, thoroughly, minutely".