Meaning and Usage
"詳細" (しょうさい) means "detail" or "particulars" and is used to refer to specific, thorough information about something. It is a noun often used in formal or business contexts when discussing detailed data, explanations, or descriptions.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "詳細" in situations like meetings, product descriptions, reports, or instructions where precise information is necessary.
Collocations and Patterns
- "詳細を教える" (to tell details): used when someone provides detailed information.
- "詳細について" (about the details): common phrase to introduce a topic for detailed discussion.
- "詳細に説明する" (to explain in detail): emphasizes thorough explanation.
Usage Notes
"詳細" is typically used in formal or written Japanese rather than casual conversation. When speaking casually, people might use simpler words like "くわしいこと" (detailed things). Avoid confusing "詳細" with "詳しい" (くわしい), which is an adjective meaning "detailed" or "knowledgeable"; "詳細" is a noun.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "詳細" with "詳しい". Remember, "詳細" is a noun meaning "details," while "詳しい" is an adjective describing something or someone as detailed or knowledgeable.