Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Minute" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "minute", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ふん
ふん (fun)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
綿密
めんみつ (menmitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "minute" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ふん and 綿密.
In Japanese, ふん (ふん (fun)) is typically associated with "minute(s)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A counter suffix used after numbers to indicate minutes. Pronunciation changes to -ぷん.
On the other hand, 綿密 (めんみつ (menmitsu)) maps to "minute; scrupulous; detailed; thorough" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 計画や調査などが「非常に細かい部分まで注意深く行われる」様子を表す形容動詞。An adjective expressing that plans or investigations are carried out with extreme attention to detail.. A literal translation of "minute" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ふん"
あと15分で電車が来ます。
The train will arrive in 15 minutes.
Bilingual Context for "綿密"
彼は綿密な計画を立ててから事業に着手した。
He started the business after making a meticulous plan.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "あと15分で電車が来ます。" (Meaning: "The train will arrive in 15 minutes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ふん" fits here because it means "minute(s)" in the context of: "The train will arrive in 15 minutes.". "綿密" represents "minute; scrupulous; detailed; thorough".