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A2 verb #4,000 más común 13 min de lectura

détailler

Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos détailler en 30 segundos

Explicación détailler in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to build their vocabulary. While 'détailler' might seem advanced, it is introduced to help students understand the concept of giving more than one-word answers. At this stage, 'détailler' is often taught in the context of describing simple things: a room, a family, or a daily routine. Instead of just saying 'I have a house,' an A1 student is encouraged to 'détailler' by saying 'I have a house with three rooms, a kitchen, and a garden.' The focus is on the transition from simple nouns to descriptive sentences. Learners are taught the basic present tense conjugation: 'je détaille, tu détailles, il détaille.' They learn that this word is a tool for expansion. It is also a great way to practice the use of direct objects, as in 'Je détaille mon petit-déjeuner.' The goal is not mastery of complex nuances but the practical application of providing more information to be understood better.

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For A2 learners, 'détailler' becomes a useful verb for more practical, everyday situations. This is the level where students start to talk about their past experiences and their professional lives in a basic way. They might be asked to 'détailler' a past holiday or a simple work task. The culinary meaning also becomes relevant here, as A2 students often learn to follow simple recipes. Understanding that 'détailler les carottes' means to cut them is a significant step in functional literacy. Grammatically, A2 students start using the Passé Composé with 'détailler,' learning that it takes 'avoir.' They also begin to see the word in the imperative form in instructions ('Détaillez votre réponse'). The focus at A2 is on clarity and the ability to provide a sequence of information. It's about moving from 'I did this' to 'I did this, then this, then this,' which is essentially the act of detailing a sequence of events.

At the B1 level, the learner is becoming an 'independent user' of French. 'Détailler' is now used in more formal and professional contexts. Students are expected to be able to 'détailler' their opinions, their future plans, and complex problems. This is where the distinction between 'expliquer' and 'détailler' becomes important. A B1 student should know that when a boss asks them to 'détailler un rapport,' they need to provide specific data points and sub-sections. The word is also used in the context of 'détailler une personne du regard' in reading comprehension, as B1 students start tackling more literary texts and news articles. They also learn to use 'détailler' with more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive ('Il faut que tu détailles ton idée') and the future tense. The focus is on using the word to provide professional-grade clarity and to handle more sophisticated narrative techniques.

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B2 learners are expected to have a high degree of precision in their speech. 'Détailler' is a key verb for achieving this. At this level, students use the word to break down abstract theories, legal arguments, or complex social issues. They are taught the idiomatic expression 'détailler par le menu' and are expected to use it in appropriate contexts to show a command of higher-level French. The culinary usage is understood in its technical depth, often in the context of professional gastronomy. B2 students also learn to recognize the passive voice ('Le plan a été détaillé lors de la réunion') and the use of the verb in more nuanced social situations where 'détailler' might imply scrutiny or judgment. The focus is on the register—knowing when 'détailler' is more appropriate than 'énumérer' or 'préciser'—and using the word to construct cohesive, detailed arguments in both written and spoken forms.

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At the C1 level, 'détailler' is used with stylistic flair. Learners are expected to use it in academic writing and high-level professional presentations. They understand the word's historical connection to retail and can use it in economic discussions. In literary analysis, C1 students use 'détailler' to describe how an author uses descriptive techniques to build a world. They are also aware of the subtle negative connotations when the verb is used reflexively or when it describes a person's gaze. Grammatically, they master all the complex agreements of the past participle and the use of the verb in various moods (conditional, past subjunctive). The focus is on the 'fine-tuning' of the language—using 'détailler' to provide not just information, but a specific kind of itemized, expert information that marks the speaker as highly proficient and culturally aware.

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C2 is the level of mastery, where 'détailler' is used with the same nuance as a highly educated native speaker. At this stage, the word is often found in philosophical or scientific treatises where the 'détaillage' of a system is central to the argument. C2 speakers use the word to navigate the most delicate social and professional interactions, knowing exactly how much detail is required for a given audience. They can use the word in puns, wordplay, and complex metaphors. They also understand the most archaic or specialized uses of the word, such as in 18th-century commercial law or highly specific artisanal crafts. For a C2 learner, 'détailler' is not just a verb; it is a conceptual tool for deconstructing and reconstructing reality through language. The focus is on total integration, where the word is used effortlessly in any register, from slang to the most formal academic discourse, always with perfect precision.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

détailler en 30 segundos

Détailler means to provide a thorough, piece-by-piece explanation of a topic or situation.
It is a regular -er verb used in professional, culinary, and descriptive contexts.
In social settings, it can mean to scrutinize someone's appearance very closely.
It is more formal and precise than the general verb 'expliquer' (to explain).

The French verb détailler is a versatile and essential term for any learner moving beyond basic communication. At its core, it means 'to detail' or 'to provide a thorough, itemized account of something.' However, its usage spans several distinct domains, from everyday conversation to professional reporting and even culinary arts. To understand détailler, one must look at its etymological roots in the word 'tailler' (to cut). Just as a tailor cuts fabric into specific pieces to create a garment, détailler involves taking a complex whole and breaking it down into its constituent parts for clarity and precision. This concept of 'breaking down' is the unifying thread across all its meanings.

Descriptive Usage: In most contexts, it refers to the act of explaining a situation, a plan, or a story with a high level of specificity. If you ask someone to 'détailler leur projet,' you are asking for more than a summary; you want the specifics of the budget, the timeline, and the personnel involved.

Le témoin a commencé à détailler la scène de l'accident avec une précision surprenante.

Beyond verbal communication, the word is frequently used to describe a visual action. To détailler quelqu'un du regard means to look someone up and down, often with a critical or inquisitive eye, taking in every aspect of their appearance. This usage is common in French literature and film to denote a character's scrutiny of another.

Culinary Context: In a kitchen, 'détailler' means to cut meat, vegetables, or dough into specific shapes or portions. A recipe might instruct you to 'détailler la pâte en petits cercles' (cut the dough into small circles).

Le boucher doit détailler la carcasse pour préparer les différents morceaux de viande.

Historically, the word also relates to 'commerce de détail' (retail trade). To sell 'en détail' is to sell in small quantities to the end consumer, as opposed to 'en gros' (wholesale). While the verb détailler is less commonly used today to mean 'to sell retail,' its influence remains in the noun 'détaillant' (retailer). Understanding these layers of meaning allows a speaker to use the word with the nuance of a native. Whether you are describing a technical process, a visual observation, or a physical act of cutting, détailler conveys a sense of meticulousness and thoroughness that is central to French communication styles. In professional settings, particularly in law, medicine, and engineering, the ability to détailler is a highly valued skill, representing the transition from vague ideas to concrete, actionable data.

L'architecte a pris le temps de détailler chaque aspect de la structure pour rassurer les investisseurs.

Social Context: When used in social settings, be careful with 'détailler une personne.' It can imply a judgment or an uncomfortable level of scrutiny. It is more than just looking; it is analyzing.

Elle m'a détaillé de la tête aux pieds avant de répondre à ma question.

This verb is a bridge between the physical and the abstract. By mastering it, you gain the power to bring clarity to your French descriptions, ensuring your listener understands every facet of your message. Whether you are a student explaining an answer or a professional presenting a report, détailler is your tool for precision. It is a word that demands attention to the small things, proving that in French, the beauty often lies in the details.

Using détailler correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature; it almost always takes a direct object. You detail *something*. This 'something' can be an abstract concept like a plan, a physical object like a piece of meat, or even a person. In this section, we will explore the grammatical structures and common contexts that will help you integrate this verb into your daily French.

The Basic Structure: [Subject] + [Conjugated Form of détailler] + [Direct Object]. For example: 'Je détaille le rapport.' (I am detailing the report.) This is the most straightforward way to use the verb to indicate that you are providing more information.

Voulez-vous que je détaille les étapes suivantes ?

One of the most common ways you will hear this verb in a professional context is when someone is asked to elaborate on a point. Phrases like 'Pouvez-vous détailler ce point ?' are standard in meetings. Here, the verb acts as a polite but firm request for clarification. It suggests that the current level of information is insufficient.

Using Adverbs: To emphasize the thoroughness, you can pair 'détailler' with adverbs like 'précisément' (precisely), 'minutieusement' (meticulously), or 'longuement' (at length). 'Il a détaillé minutieusement son itinéraire.'

Le guide a détaillé longuement l'histoire du château.

In the past tense (Passé Composé), remember that détailler uses the auxiliary 'avoir.' For example, 'J'ai détaillé.' If the direct object is placed before the verb, the past participle must agree in gender and number. 'Les raisons (f.pl.) qu'il a détaillées étaient claires.' (The reasons he detailed were clear.) This is a common point of error for intermediate learners.

The Culinary Imperative: In recipes, you will often find the imperative form. 'Détaillez les légumes en dés.' (Cut the vegetables into cubes.) This usage is very specific and shouldn't be confused with the descriptive usage.

Détaillez le poulet en huit morceaux avant de le faire dorer.

Another interesting construction is 'détailler par le menu.' This idiomatic expression means to describe something in great detail, item by item, as if reading from a menu. It adds a layer of sophistication to your speech. 'Elle m'a raconté sa soirée, la détaillant par le menu.' This suggests a narrative that includes even the most trivial facts.

Il nous a détaillé par le menu tous ses malheurs de la semaine.

In summary, détailler is a high-utility verb that functions as a direct bridge between a subject and the specific information they are providing. Whether you are in a boardroom, a kitchen, or a café, knowing how to structure sentences with this verb will make your French sound more precise and professional. Always keep the direct object in mind, and don't be afraid to use it when you feel that 'expliquer' (to explain) is just not specific enough for the situation at hand.

To truly master détailler, you must recognize the environments where it naturally thrives. It is not just a word found in dictionaries; it is a living part of French discourse. You will encounter it in news broadcasts, investigative journalism, legal proceedings, and high-level business negotiations. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of authority and empirical evidence. When a news anchor says, 'Nous allons vous détailler les nouvelles mesures gouvernementales,' they are promising a deep dive into policy, not just a headline.

The Media and News: Journalists use 'détailler' to signal an upcoming breakdown of complex events. It sets an expectation for the audience that they are about to receive 'les détails' (the details). It is the verb of the investigator.

Le journaliste a passé dix minutes à détailler le budget de l'État.

In literature, specifically in 19th-century realism (think Balzac or Zola), détailler is a stylistic hallmark. These authors were obsessed with the material world, and they used this verb to justify long, descriptive passages about rooms, clothing, and social status. When a character 'détaille' a room, they are noting the quality of the curtains, the dust on the mantelpiece, and the exact shade of the wallpaper. This tradition continues in modern French prose, where the verb is used to slow down the narrative and focus the reader's attention on the sensory.

Scientific and Technical Reports: In a laboratory or engineering firm, 'détailler' is the standard for documenting results. A scientist must 'détailler son protocole' (detail their protocol) so that others can replicate the experiment.

L'ingénieur doit détailler les spécifications techniques du nouveau moteur.

You will also hear this word in the world of fashion and art. When an art critic 'détaille un tableau' (details a painting), they are analyzing the brushwork, the use of light, and the composition. Similarly, in fashion, a commentator might 'détailler la collection d'un créateur,' looking at the stitching, the fabrics, and the silhouettes. In these worlds, détailler is synonymous with appreciation and expertise. Finally, the culinary usage is ubiquitous in French cooking shows like 'Top Chef' or 'Le Meilleur Pâtissier.' When a chef says, 'Je vais détailler mes suprêmes d'orange,' they are performing a precise technical task. Hearing this word in a kitchen signals that a moment of high skill is occurring.

Le chef montre comment détailler un ananas avec précision.

In all these settings, the word détailler acts as a linguistic signal for 'accuracy.' It tells the listener that the information being provided is not superficial but is based on careful observation and thorough analysis. By paying attention to where you hear it, you will begin to grasp the cultural importance of precision in French life.

Despite its regularity as a verb, détailler presents several pitfalls for English speakers. The most frequent errors involve preposition use, confusion with the noun 'détail,' and choosing the wrong verb for the intended level of detail. Understanding these mistakes will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid common 'Anglicisms.'

The Preposition Trap: In English, we often say 'to give details about something.' This leads many learners to say 'détailler sur quelque chose.' This is incorrect. In French, 'détailler' is a direct transitive verb. You 'détaillez quelque chose,' not 'sur' something.

Incorrect: Il a détaillé sur son voyage.
Correct: Il a détaillé son voyage.

Another common mistake is confusing 'détailler' with 'donner des détails.' While they mean roughly the same thing, 'détailler' is more formal and concise. Beginners often stick to 'donner des détails' because it feels safer, but overusing it can make your French sound repetitive and basic. Using the verb détailler instantly elevates your register.

The 'Détail' vs 'Détailler' Confusion: Sometimes learners use the noun 'détail' as a verb, which is impossible in French. You cannot 'détailler' in the sense of 'to detail a car' (cleaning it) using this word. For car detailing, French uses 'nettoyage en profondeur' or 'esthétique automobile.'

Je vais détailler (describe) ma voiture, mais je vais la nettoyer (clean it).

There is also the nuance of 'détailler quelqu'un.' As mentioned before, this can be perceived as rude. If you just want to say you are looking at someone, use 'regarder.' If you use détailler, you are implying a level of scrutiny that might be unwelcome. 'Il m'a détaillé' sounds like he was checking for flaws or judging your outfit.

Culinary vs. Descriptive Mistake: Be careful when translating recipes. If a recipe says 'détailler,' it specifically means to cut into pieces. Using 'couper' is fine, but 'détailler' is the technical term. Conversely, don't use 'détailler' for just any kind of cutting (like cutting a string); it implies a specific shape or portioning.

On ne peut pas détailler un cheveu, on le coupe.

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse it with 'préciser.' While 'préciser' means to clarify or make precise, détailler focuses on the volume and enumeration of parts. If you want to clarify one specific point, use 'préciser.' If you want to go through the whole list of points, use 'détailler.' By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the clunky phrasing that often marks a non-native speaker and move toward a more fluent, natural command of the French language.

To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a semantic space with détailler. Depending on the context—whether you are explaining, looking, or cutting—different alternatives might be more appropriate. Here, we compare détailler with its closest synonyms and explain the subtle differences in meaning.

Expliquer vs. Détailler: 'Expliquer' is the general term for making something understood. 'Détailler' is a subset of explaining that specifically focuses on the individual parts. You can explain a concept without detailing every single sub-point.

Il m'a expliqué le concept, puis il a détaillé le plan d'action.

Énumérer vs. Détailler: 'Énumérer' means to list items one by one. While 'détailler' often involves a list, it also includes descriptions of those items. 'Énumérer' is more about the count, while 'détailler' is about the content.

Elle a énuméré ses courses, mais elle n'a pas détaillé le prix de chaque article.

For the visual sense of looking someone over, 'scruter' (to scrutinize) or 'examiner' (to examine) are strong alternatives. 'Scruter' implies a more intense, searching look, perhaps looking for a secret or a lie. 'Détailler' remains the best word for taking in the overall appearance piece by piece. In a culinary context, 'découper' (to cut up) or 'morceler' (to break into pieces) can be used. However, 'détailler' is the preferred term when the cutting must follow a specific pattern or result in uniform portions.

Approfondir: This verb means 'to deepen.' While 'détailler' adds breadth by showing all the parts, 'approfondir' adds depth by going further into the meaning or implications of a single part.

Nous devons approfondir cette question après avoir détaillé les options.

Finally, consider 'spécifier.' This verb is used when you need to state something explicitly to avoid ambiguity. While 'détailler' gives you the 'what' in many parts, 'spécifier' gives you the 'exactly what.' For example, 'Il a détaillé le menu, mais il a spécifié qu'il était végétarien.' By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that fits your specific communicative goal perfectly, making your French more nuanced and effective.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The English word 'detail' was actually borrowed from this French word in the 17th century. It originally referred to the 'cutting' of cloth in retail.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /de.ta.je/

US /de.ta.je/

Stress falls on the last syllable: de-ta-ILLER.

Rima con

travailler payer manger briller habiller conseiller réveiller envoyer

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'r' at the end (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'll' as an 'l' sound instead of a 'y' sound.
Confusing the 'é' sound with 'e' (as in 'the').
Making the 'ai' sound too much like 'ay' as in 'play'.
Stress on the first syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'detail'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires care with direct object agreement in past tenses.

Expresión oral 3/5

The 'ill' sound can be tricky for beginners to pronounce fluidly.

Escucha 2/5

Generally clear in spoken French, especially in formal contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

un détail expliquer couper regarder un plan

Aprende después

approfondir expliciter énumérer minutieusement pormenoriser

Avanzado

décortiquer anatomiser débiter ventiler (finance)

Gramática que debes saber

Direct Transitive Verbs

Je détaille la situation. (No preposition needed).

Passé Composé with Avoir

J'ai détaillé les faits.

Past Participle Agreement

Les preuves qu'il a détaillées. (Agreement with feminine plural 'preuves').

Imperative Mood

Détaille ton plan ! (No 's' for -er verbs in tu-form).

Pronominal Verbs (Passive sense)

Cela se détaille facilement. (This is easily detailed/sold retail).

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Ejemplos por nivel

Je détaille ma famille sur la photo.

I am detailing (describing) my family in the photo.

Present tense, regular -er verb.

Peux-tu détailler ta chambre ?

Can you describe your room in detail?

Infinitive after 'peux-tu'.

Il détaille son petit-déjeuner.

He is detailing his breakfast.

Third person singular.

Elle détaille les couleurs de sa robe.

She is detailing the colors of her dress.

Direct object 'les couleurs'.

Détaille ton nom, s'il te plaît.

Detail (spell out/give info on) your name, please.

Imperative form.

Nous détaillons la maison.

We are detailing the house.

First person plural.

Vous détaillez le menu ?

Are you detailing the menu?

Interrogative form.

Ils détaillent le trajet.

They are detailing the route.

Third person plural.

J'ai détaillé mon voyage à Paris.

I detailed my trip to Paris.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Le chef va détailler les légumes.

The chef is going to cut the vegetables into pieces.

Futur proche.

Elle a détaillé son emploi du temps.

She detailed her schedule.

Feminine direct object agreement (if 'qu'elle a détaillé').

Détaillez votre expérience de travail.

Detail your work experience.

Formal imperative.

Il m'a détaillé le chemin pour aller à la gare.

He detailed the way to the station for me.

Indirect object 'm''.

Nous avons détaillé la liste des courses.

We detailed the shopping list.

Passé composé.

Tu dois détailler les étapes de la recette.

You must detail the steps of the recipe.

Modal verb 'dois' + infinitive.

Ils ont détaillé les règles du jeu.

They detailed the rules of the game.

Plural subject.

Il a détaillé son projet devant la classe.

He detailed his project in front of the class.

Preposition 'devant'.

Elle m'a détaillé ses inquiétudes.

She detailed her concerns to me.

Abstract direct object.

Le témoin a dû détailler les faits au juge.

The witness had to detail the facts to the judge.

Modal 'a dû' + infinitive.

Je vais vous détailler le budget annuel.

I am going to detail the annual budget for you.

Futur proche with object pronoun 'vous'.

Il est important de détailler chaque point.

It is important to detail every point.

Impersonal construction 'Il est important de'.

Elle détaillait les passants depuis son balcon.

She was detailing (scrutinizing) the passers-by from her balcony.

Imparfait for ongoing action.

Nous détaillerons les résultats demain.

We will detail the results tomorrow.

Futur simple.

Avez-vous détaillé les conditions de vente ?

Have you detailed the sales conditions?

Inversion in question.

Le rapport détaille les conséquences écologiques.

The report details the ecological consequences.

Non-human subject.

Il nous a détaillé par le menu tout son périple.

He detailed his entire journey to us in great depth.

Idiom 'par le menu'.

L'auteur prend le temps de détailler le paysage.

The author takes the time to detail the landscape.

Literary context.

Bien qu'il ait détaillé son plan, je ne suis pas convaincu.

Although he detailed his plan, I am not convinced.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

Elle se mit à détailler sa tenue avec mépris.

She began to scrutinize her outfit with contempt.

Passé simple 'se mit'.

Il faut détailler les coûts pour obtenir le prêt.

It's necessary to detail the costs to get the loan.

Infinitive clause.

Les spécifications techniques sont détaillées dans l'annexe.

The technical specifications are detailed in the appendix.

Passive voice.

Détaillez-moi votre vision de l'avenir.

Detail your vision of the future for me.

Imperative with pronoun 'moi'.

L'article détaille minutieusement les rouages de la corruption.

The article meticulously details the inner workings of corruption.

Adverb 'minutieusement'.

Il s'est attardé à détailler chaque nuance du tableau.

He lingered to detail every nuance of the painting.

Reflexive 's'attarder à'.

La loi détaille les droits et devoirs des citoyens.

The law details the rights and duties of citizens.

Legal context.

Sans plus détailler, il conclut son discours.

Without detailing further, he concluded his speech.

Gerundial phrase with 'sans'.

Elle détaillait son interlocuteur avec une froideur glaciale.

She was scrutinizing her interlocutor with icy coldness.

Descriptive imparfait.

Le boucher a détaillé la carcasse avec une habileté rare.

The butcher cut up the carcass with rare skill.

Culinary/Professional context.

Il est impératif que vous détailliez les risques encourus.

It is imperative that you detail the risks involved.

Subjunctive 'détailliez'.

Les raisons invoquées ont été détaillées par le porte-parole.

The reasons invoked were detailed by the spokesperson.

Passive voice with agent.

L'ouvrage s'évertue à détailler l'ontologie de l'être.

The work strives to detail the ontology of being.

Academic register.

Elle se complaisait à détailler les échecs de ses rivaux.

She took pleasure in detailing the failures of her rivals.

Reflexive 'se complaire à'.

Le document vient détailler une stratégie de géo-ingénierie complexe.

The document details a complex geo-engineering strategy.

Recent past 'vient de' (here used as 'serves to').

À force de détailler, on finit par perdre de vue l'essentiel.

By detailing too much, one ends up losing sight of the essential.

Idiomatic 'À force de'.

Il détaillait les circonvolutions de sa pensée avec une précision chirurgicale.

He detailed the convolutions of his thought with surgical precision.

Metaphorical usage.

Le décret détaille les modalités d'application de la réforme.

The decree details the application procedures of the reform.

Administrative register.

Elle l'avait détaillé, pesé, et jugé en un instant.

She had scrutinized, weighed, and judged him in an instant.

Plus-que-parfait.

Nul n'avait osé détailler les horreurs dont ils avaient été témoins.

No one had dared to detail the horrors they had witnessed.

Negative 'Nul... ne'.

Colocaciones comunes

détailler un projet

détailler les faits

détailler du regard

détailler par le menu

détailler une viande

détailler un budget

détailler un plan

détailler une offre

détailler des instructions

détailler une scène

Frases Comunes

Sans plus détailler

— Without giving more details. Used to move on in a conversation.

Sans plus détailler, c'était génial.

Détailler point par point

— To go through something item by item. Very common in meetings.

Détaillons point par point.

Prendre le temps de détailler

— To be thorough and not rush the explanation.

Prenez le temps de détailler.

Détailler à l'excès

— To provide too many details, becoming boring or confusing.

Il détaille à l'excès.

Peux-tu détailler ?

— Can you elaborate? A standard request for more info.

C'est flou, peux-tu détailler ?

Détailler les raisons

— To explain the 'why' behind a decision in depth.

Il a détaillé les raisons de son départ.

Détailler les étapes

— To explain the 'how' or the process sequence.

Elle a détaillé les étapes du processus.

Détailler les coûts

— To provide an itemized financial breakdown.

Détaillez les coûts de production.

Détailler un itinéraire

— To describe a travel route precisely.

Il a détaillé l'itinéraire du voyage.

Détailler une procédure

— To explain a formal way of doing something.

Le document détaille la procédure.

Se confunde a menudo con

détailler vs déterminer

To determine or decide, whereas détailler is to describe.

détailler vs détacher

To detach or unfasten. Sounds similar but unrelated.

détailler vs débiter

To cut up (wood/meat) or to speak quickly, similar to culinary 'détailler' but more industrial.

Modismos y expresiones

"Détailler par le menu"

— To describe something in exhaustive detail, as if reading every item on a menu.

Il m'a raconté son accident, le détaillant par le menu.

Sophisticated

"Vendre au détail"

— To sell in small quantities directly to consumers (related to the verb's root).

Ce magasin vend au détail.

Commercial

"Détailler du regard"

— To scrutinize someone from head to toe, often critically.

Elle m'a détaillé du regard sans dire un mot.

Neutral/Literary

"Entrer dans le détail"

— To start discussing the specifics (uses the noun, but often follows the verb).

Après avoir résumé, il est entré dans le détail.

Neutral

"C'est un détail"

— It's an unimportant point (uses the noun, common contrast).

Ne t'inquiète pas, c'est un détail.

Informal

"Le diable est dans les détails"

— The devil is in the details (proverbial usage).

Fais attention, le diable est dans les détails.

Neutral

"Détailler sa pensée"

— To explain one's complex thoughts or philosophy.

Laissez-moi détailler ma pensée.

Formal

"Détailler une note"

— To itemize a bill or invoice.

Pouvez-vous détailler cette note ?

Commercial

"Détailler un crime"

— To recount a crime with all its gruesome specifics.

Le rapport détaille le crime.

Legal

"Détailler un rêve"

— To describe a dream with all its vivid images.

Elle a détaillé son rêve étrange.

Personal

Fácil de confundir

détailler vs préciser

Both involve clarity.

Préciser is to clarify one specific point; détailler is to give a full list of all points.

Précisez votre nom, puis détaillez votre parcours.

détailler vs énumérer

Both involve parts.

Énumérer is just a list (1, 2, 3); détailler includes descriptions of the items.

Il a énuméré ses outils et a détaillé leur usage.

détailler vs exposer

Both used in presentations.

Exposer is the act of presenting; détailler is the depth of that presentation.

Il a exposé le projet en détaillant les coûts.

détailler vs couper

Culinary context.

Couper is the general verb 'to cut'; détailler is a technical term for cutting into specific, uniform pieces.

Coupez le pain, mais détaillez le fromage en dés.

détailler vs scruter

Visual context.

Scruter is to search intensely; détailler is to observe all visible parts systematically.

Elle a scruté son visage puis a détaillé ses vêtements.

Patrones de oraciones

Je détaille [noun].

Je détaille mon livre.

J'ai détaillé [noun].

J'ai détaillé mon voyage.

Il faut détailler [noun].

Il faut détailler le problème.

[Noun] est détaillé dans [document].

Le plan est détaillé dans le rapport.

S'attarder à détailler [noun].

Il s'attarde à détailler chaque mot.

Détailler par le menu [noun].

Elle détailla par le menu ses griefs.

Culinary

Détailler [food] en [shape].

Détaillez le pain en tranches.

Social

Détailler [person] du regard.

Il détaillait l'inconnu du regard.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

détail (m) - detail

détaillant (m) - retailer

détaillage (m) - the act of detailing (technical)

Verbos

tailler - to cut/carve

retailler - to recut

entailer - to notch

Adjetivos

détaillé - detailed

détailliste - retail-related

Relacionado

taille

tailleur

découper

préciser

énumérer

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in professional and technical French; moderate in casual speech.

Errores comunes

Il a détaillé sur son projet. → Il a détaillé son projet.
Détailler is a direct transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'sur'.
Je vais détailler ma voiture (meaning cleaning). → Je vais nettoyer ma voiture.
'Détailler' in French does not mean 'detailing' a car in the sense of deep cleaning.
Elle a détaillé à moi l'histoire. → Elle m'a détaillé l'histoire.
The indirect object pronoun 'me' should come before the verb.
Les faits qu'il a détaillé. → Les faits qu'il a détaillés.
The past participle must agree with the preceding direct object 'faits' (masculine plural).
Détaille-moi sur ce point. → Détaille-moi ce point.
Again, avoid the preposition 'sur'. Use the direct object.

Consejos

Direct Object

Always remember that 'détailler' takes a direct object. Never put a preposition like 'de' or 'sur' after it.

Pronunciation

The 'ill' in 'détailler' is a 'y' sound. Practice saying 'dé-ta-yé' to get it right.

Use in Meetings

Use 'détailler' when you want to sound thorough. Instead of 'Je vais expliquer le budget,' say 'Je vais détailler le budget.'

Cooking Terms

If you see 'détailler' in a recipe, look for the shape. It usually says 'en dés' (in cubes) or 'en rondelles' (in slices).

Observation

Use 'détailler du regard' in your writing to describe a character who is very observant or judgmental.

Synonyms

Learn 'énumérer' alongside 'détailler' to distinguish between listing and describing.

Agreement

In written French, watch for agreement: 'Les étapes que j'ai détaillées' (feminine plural).

Tailor

Associate it with a tailor cutting fabric. Detailing is cutting info into pieces.

News Context

When you hear 'détailler' on the news, get ready to take notes; specific info is coming.

Precision

Use 'détailler' when 'expliquer' feels too vague for the amount of info you are providing.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Tailor' (tailler). A tailor cuts fabric into many small 'details' to make a suit. When you 'détailler,' you are 'cutting' a story into small pieces.

Asociación visual

Imagine a magnifying glass over a large map. As you move the glass, you see every small street and house—you are 'detailing' the map.

Word Web

détail tailler précision explication liste découpe regard commerce

Desafío

Try to 'détailler' your last meal in French using at least five different adjectives and three specific verbs.

Origen de la palabra

From the Old French 'detaillier', which comes from 'de-' (prefix of separation/intensity) and 'tailler' (to cut).

Significado original: To cut into pieces, to divide a whole into smaller parts for sale or analysis.

Romance (Latin root: taliare - to cut).

Contexto cultural

Be aware that 'détailler du regard' can be seen as aggressive or objectifying depending on the tone.

English speakers often use 'elaborate' or 'go into detail.' 'Détailler' is more direct and frequently used as a single verb.

Balzac's 'La Comédie Humaine' (famous for detailing social environments) Top Chef France (frequent culinary use) Zola's 'Au Bonheur des Dames' (detailing the birth of retail)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Business Meeting

Détailler le budget
Détailler les objectifs
Détailler le planning
Détailler les risques

Cooking

Détailler en cubes
Détailler la pâte
Détailler le poisson
Détailler en rondelles

Police/Legal

Détailler le témoignage
Détailler les preuves
Détailler l'alibi
Détailler le signalement

Literature/Art

Détailler le décor
Détailler le personnage
Détailler la technique
Détailler l'œuvre

Shopping/Retail

Vendre au détail
Prix de détail
Détailler une facture
Détailler les articles

Inicios de conversación

"Peux-tu détailler ce que tu as fait pendant tes vacances ?"

"Comment pourrais-tu détailler ton projet idéal ?"

"Quels sont les points que nous devrions détailler lors de la prochaine réunion ?"

"Si tu devais détailler ta ville à un étranger, que dirais-tu ?"

"Peux-tu détailler les ingrédients de ton plat préféré ?"

Temas para diario

Détaille une journée parfaite du matin au soir.

Détaille les raisons pour lesquelles tu apprends le français.

Détaille un souvenir d'enfance qui te tient à cœur.

Détaille les étapes pour atteindre ton plus grand objectif.

Détaille l'apparence physique d'une personne que tu admires.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, this is a common mistake. You should say 'détailler quelque chose' directly. For example, 'détailler un plan' is correct, while 'détailler sur un plan' is not.

No. Unlike the English term 'car detailing,' French uses 'nettoyage esthétique' or 'rénovation automobile.' Using 'détailler' would mean describing the car's features instead of cleaning it.

'Détail' is the noun (a detail), and 'détailler' is the verb (to detail/describe). You use the noun in 'donner des détails' and the verb in 'détailler les faits.'

Yes, it is generally more formal than 'expliquer.' It is very common in business reports, legal documents, and professional settings.

In recipes, it means to cut something into specific pieces. For example, 'détailler la pâte' means to cut the dough, usually into shapes using a cutter.

Yes, but be careful. 'Détailler quelqu'un' means to look at them very closely from head to toe. It can sometimes feel judgmental or rude.

It is an idiom meaning to describe something in extreme, point-by-point detail, as if you were reading every single item on a restaurant menu.

It always uses 'avoir' as its auxiliary verb in the Passé Composé (e.g., 'J'ai détaillé').

Yes, it is a regular -er verb, following the standard conjugation pattern of verbs like 'parler' or 'manger'.

Absolutely. You can detail a thought, a philosophy, a theory, or a feeling.

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