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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

明細

めいさい (meisai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "details" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 詳細 and 明細. 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, 明細 (めいさい (meisai)) maps to "details, particulars" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to an itemized breakdown or detailed list of something, like expenses, contents, or specifications. Often used in written documents such as receipts or statements.. 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 "明細"
請求書の明細を確認してください。
Please check the details of the invoice.

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.". "明細" represents "details, particulars".

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