Translation guide
The English word "elaborate" can be an adjective meaning detailed or intricate, or a verb meaning to explain in more detail. This guide covers both uses and their natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something that is carefully made, detailed, or has many parts.
Commonly used for intricate craftsmanship, machinery, or detailed work.
この時計は精巧な細工が施されている。
This watch has elaborate craftsmanship.
Often used for something that clearly took a lot of effort and detail, like a dish or a plan.
To give more information or details about something you have said.
The most direct and common way to say 'elaborate on'.
その点について詳しく説明していただけますか？
Could you elaborate on that point?
In English, you might say 'He is very elaborate,' but in Japanese, describing a person as 精巧な or 手の込んだ would be unnatural. Instead, describe their work or actions.
精巧な emphasizes precision and intricacy, often for mechanical or artistic objects. 手の込んだ emphasizes the effort and care put into making something, and is more common for food, plans, or schemes.
彼女は手の込んだ料理を作った。
She made an elaborate dish.
Means 'complex' or 'complicated'. Can be used for elaborate systems or procedures, but focuses more on complexity than craftsmanship.
その計画は複雑な手順を必要とする。
The plan requires an elaborate procedure.
Means 'careful' or 'thorough'. Used for elaborate preparations or attention to detail.
入念な準備のおかげで成功した。
We succeeded thanks to elaborate preparations.
Often used for something stylishly elaborate, like a fancy design or a costume. Slightly casual.
彼は凝った衣装を着ていた。
He was wearing an elaborate costume.
More formal, often used in writing or speeches.
彼は自分の意見を詳しく述べた。
He elaborated on his opinion.
Means 'to say concretely'. Used when asking someone to give specific details.
もう少し具体的に言ってください。
Please elaborate a little more.
A formal, literary term meaning to expound or elaborate on an idea. Rare in everyday conversation.
彼はその理論を敷衍して説明した。
He elaborated on the theory.