Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Details" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "details", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
詳細
しょうさい (shōsai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
委細
いさい (isai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "details" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 詳細 and 委細.
In Japanese, 詳細 (しょうさい (shōsai)) is typically associated with "details; particulars; detailed; minute" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to details, particulars, or being highly detailed and thorough. Often used as 詳細なスケジュール or 詳細を報告する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Details! "Haruka-san, I can write a highly detailed report of a thousand characters just describing what I love about you!" ...っ! A-A thousand-character detailed report! B-Baka! Don't write such embarrassing essays! But... if you are going to write it, read it out loud directly to my ears while holding me close! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しょうさい(詳細)よ!『ハルカさんの好きなところ、詳細に書き出したらレポート用紙10枚分(一万文字)でも足りません!』って…っ!詳細レポート!バカ!そんな恥ずかしい企画書、提出しなくていいわよ!…どうしても報告したいなら、夜、ベッドの中で、私の耳元で詳細に一文字ずつ愛を囁きなさい!』.
On the other hand, 委細 (いさい (isai)) maps to "details, particulars, all the circumstances" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal term, often used when asking for or giving 'all the details.' Frequently paired with 承知. A literal translation of "details" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "詳細"
来月に開催予定の新規プロジェクトに関するカンファレンスの_______なタイムスケジュールが、公式サイトに更新されました。
The detailed time schedule of the conference regarding the new project scheduled to be held next month was updated on the official website.
Bilingual Context for "委細"
事故の委細については、現在調査中ですので、後ほどご報告いたします。
Regarding the details of the accident, we are currently investigating and will report them later.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来月に開催予定の新規プロジェクトに関するカンファレンスの_______なタイムスケジュールが、公式サイトに更新されました。" (Meaning: "The detailed time schedule of the conference regarding the new project scheduled to be held next month was updated on the official website.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "詳細" fits here because it means "details; particulars; detailed; minute" in the context of: "The detailed time schedule of the conference regarding the new project scheduled to be held next month was updated on the official website.". "委細" represents "details, particulars, all the circumstances".