Translation guide
The English word "details" can refer to specific pieces of information, the finer points of something, or the act of explaining something thoroughly. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these uses.
Referring to individual facts, items, or elements that make up a whole, such as in a report, story, or plan.
The most common and neutral word for 'details' as specific information. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
詳細は後でメールで送ります。
I'll send you the details later by email.
事件の詳細はまだ明らかになっていない。
The details of the incident are not yet clear.
Literally 'small things', used for minor or trivial details. Often implies nitpicking or focusing on less important points.
細かいことは気にしないでください。
Please don't worry about the details.
Refers to the finer details or particulars, often used in formal or technical contexts like design or analysis.
デザインの細部にまでこだわった。
We paid attention to every detail of the design.
Emphasizing the depth or complexity of a subject, such as understanding the details of a process or system.
A natural way to say 'the details' when referring to in-depth knowledge. Often used in questions or when offering to explain.
詳しいことはわかりません。
I don't know the details.
詳しいことを教えていただけますか？
Could you tell me the details?
Also used for intricate details, especially in formal explanations or documentation.
An adverb meaning 'in great detail' or 'minutely'. Used when describing something thoroughly.
彼は事細かに状況を説明した。
He explained the situation in great detail.
The act of providing details, as in 'to detail something' or 'to go into details'.
The standard way to say 'explain in detail'. Can be used in any context.
後で詳しく説明します。
I'll explain in detail later.
A more formal way to say 'state the details'. Common in written reports or official statements.
報告書に詳細を述べた。
I detailed the information in the report.
Literally 'say in detail', used in casual conversation when someone asks for specifics.
細かく言うと、問題は三つあります。
To go into details, there are three problems.
English often uses 'details' as a plural noun, but Japanese typically uses singular forms like 詳細 (しょうさい) or 細かいこと (こまかいこと). Do not try to pluralize these words.
詳細を教えてください。
Please tell me the details.
詳細 (しょうさい) is neutral and can be used in any situation. 細かいこと (こまかいこと) often implies minor or trivial details and can sound dismissive if used in the wrong context. Use 詳細 for important information and 細かいこと when downplaying the significance.
詳細は重要です。
The details are important.
細かいことはどうでもいい。
The minor details don't matter.
The minor details don't matter.
システムの詳細について説明します。
I will explain the details of the system.