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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

詳しい

くわしい (kuwashii)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

細かい

こまかい (komakai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "detailed" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 詳しい and 細かい. In Japanese, 詳しい (くわしい (kuwashii)) is typically associated with "detailed; knowing well; knowledgeable" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Describes something with many details, or someone who knows a subject well.. On the other hand, 細かい (こまかい (komakai)) maps to "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!』. A literal translation of "detailed" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "詳しい"
そのことについて、もっと詳しい情報が欲しいです。
I want more detailed information about that.
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.

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 ___ 情報が欲しいです。" (Meaning: "I want more detailed information about that.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "詳しい" fits here because it means "detailed; knowing well; knowledgeable" in the context of: "I want more detailed information about that.". "細かい" represents "detailed; fine; meticulous; small (money); sensitive".

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