Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Detailed" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "detailed", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
詳述
しょうじゅつ (shōjutsu)
N2 / 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 詳述 and 綿密な.
In Japanese, 詳述 (しょうじゅつ (shōjutsu)) is typically associated with "detailed explanation, elaborate description" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物事を詳しく、細部にわたって述べること。特に学術的な論文や報告書などで、深い説明が必要な場合に使われます。/ To describe something in detail, covering all aspects. Especially used in academic papers or reports where in-depth explanation is required..
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 "詳述"
報告書では、調査結果が詳細に詳述されている。
The report elaborately describes the survey results in detail.
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: "報告書では、調査結果が詳細に ＿＿＿ されている。" (Meaning: "The report elaborately describes the survey results in detail.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "詳述" fits here because it means "detailed explanation, elaborate description" in the context of: "The report elaborately describes the survey results in detail.". "綿密な" represents "detailed, elaborate, careful, meticulous".