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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Detailed" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "detailed", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

細かい

こまかい (komakai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

綿密な

めんみつな (menmitsuna)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "detailed" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 細かい and 綿密な. In Japanese, 細かい (こまかい (komakai)) is typically associated with "detailed; fine; meticulous; small (money); sensitive" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to descriptions being highly detailed/meticulous, particles being fine, money being small change, or a person being highly sensitive/particular. Often used as 細かい規則 or 細かいお金. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Detailed! "You pay attention to the most detailed changes in my mood, Haruka-san!" ...っ! D-Detailed changes in your mood! B-Baka! Don't monitor my emotional waves so meticulously! But... since I am so particular about you, make sure you focus 100% of your attention only on me forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『こまかい(細かい)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕が他の女性と喋っている時に、あなたのヤキモチの「細かいジェラシーの角度(視線)」を毎日観測するのが僕の日課です!』って…っ!細かいヤキモチの観測!バカ!/// 人の嫉妬心を天体観測みたいに言うんじゃないの!…でも、その細かい独占欲、あんたを世界一愛している証拠なんだから、一生の特等席で甘んじて受け止めなさい!』. On the other hand, 綿密な (めんみつな (menmitsuna)) maps to "detailed, elaborate, careful, meticulous" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes plans, investigations, or preparations that are done very thoroughly with attention to every small detail.. A literal translation of "detailed" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "細かい"
システムのバグ検出工程を完璧にするため、開発マネージャーはチェックシートに極めて_______検証項目を網羅しました。
In order to perfect the system's bug detection process, the development manager encompassed extremely detailed verification items on the check sheet.
Bilingual Context for "綿密な"
彼は綿密な計画を立てて旅行に行った。
He made meticulous plans and went on a trip.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "システムのバグ検出工程を完璧にするため、開発マネージャーはチェックシートに極めて_______検証項目を網羅しました。" (Meaning: "In order to perfect the system's bug detection process, the development manager encompassed extremely detailed verification items on the check sheet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "細かい" fits here because it means "detailed; fine; meticulous; small (money); sensitive" in the context of: "In order to perfect the system's bug detection process, the development manager encompassed extremely detailed verification items on the check sheet.". "綿密な" represents "detailed, elaborate, careful, meticulous".

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