細かい
This word means something is small, fine, or detailed, like tiny grains of sand or a very precise plan.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we are learning the word komakai (細かい). This word means small or fine. Think about tiny things, like little grains of sugar. When something is 'komakai', it has very small parts. For example, komakai ame means light rain, like tiny drops. Or komakai go means fine powder. It's the opposite of big! You can use it to describe things you can see, like small sand, or things you feel, like a soft, fine cloth. It's a simple word for describing smallness!
Let's learn about komakai (細かい)! This adjective means small, fine, or detailed. Imagine looking very closely at something. If it has many tiny parts or is very precise, we call it 'komakai'. For example, komakai suna means fine sand. If you get small change after buying something, that's komakai kane. It can also mean detailed, like a komakai setsumei (detailed explanation). So, remember 'komakai' for things that are small, fine, or have many tiny details.
Today's word is komakai (細かい). It's a versatile adjective meaning small, fine, detailed, or meticulous. You can use it to describe the physical size of things – like komakai ame (fine drizzle) or komakai go (fine powder). It's also used for things that require precision or have many small components, such as komakai shigoto (detailed work) or komakai keikaku (detailed plan). When talking about money, komakai kane refers to small change. Understanding 'komakai' helps you appreciate the nuances of description in Japanese, from the texture of sand to the thoroughness of a plan.
Komakai (細かい) is an adjective that extends beyond simple 'smallness' to encompass fineness, intricacy, and meticulousness. While it can describe physical attributes like komakai ame (fine drizzle) or komakai go (fine powder), its more nuanced applications relate to detail and precision. For instance, a komakai setsumei is a detailed explanation that leaves no stone unturned, and komakai shigoto implies work done with great care and attention to every small element. It can also carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting something is overly fussy or trivial, as in komakai riyuu (trivial reasons). Mastering 'komakai' allows you to express a sophisticated understanding of detail and precision in various contexts.
The Japanese adjective komakai (細かい) offers a rich spectrum of meaning, ranging from physical minuteness to abstract meticulousness. Its core sense relates to fineness and granularity, applicable to phenomena like komakai ame (fine drizzle) or materials like komakai go (fine powder). However, its utility expands significantly into describing levels of detail and precision. A komakai keikaku (detailed plan) suggests thoroughness, while komakai shigoto denotes meticulous craftsmanship. Context is key, as 'komakai' can sometimes imply triviality (komakai riyuu) or excessive fussiness (komakai seikaku). Understanding these layers allows for precise communication, distinguishing between genuine detail-orientedness and pedantry. Its application spans descriptive language, project management, and character analysis, making it a vital term for advanced learners.
Delving into komakai (細かい) at an advanced level reveals its deep integration into the Japanese appreciation for nuance and precision. Beyond its literal meanings of smallness and fineness – evident in descriptions of natural phenomena like komakai ame (fine rain) or textures like komakai suna (fine sand) – the term signifies a profound engagement with detail. It underpins concepts of meticulousness in craftsmanship (komakai shigoto), thoroughness in planning (komakai keikaku), and exhaustive explanation (komakai setsumei). The term's semantic field can subtly shift, bordering on the trivial (komakai riyuu) or the excessively fastidious (komakai seikaku), reflecting cultural attitudes towards detail. Etymologically linked to the kanji 細, which emphasizes thinness and fineness, 'komakai' embodies a worldview that values the intricate and the precise, often distinguishing it from the broader or more general. Its mastery requires not just lexical knowledge but an understanding of the cultural contexts where such detailed observation is valued or critiqued.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Komakai (細かい) means small, fine, detailed, or meticulous.
- It describes physical things (fine sand) and abstract concepts (detailed plans).
- Common collocations include 'komakai ame' (fine drizzle) and 'komakai kane' (small change).
- Context is important: it can be positive (precise) or slightly negative (fussy).
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese word komakai (細かい). This adjective is super useful and pops up in all sorts of situations. At its heart, 'komakai' means something is small, fine, or detailed. Think about the difference between a big boulder and a handful of tiny pebbles – those pebbles are 'komakai'.
But it's not just about physical size! 'Komakai' can also describe things that are intricate or meticulous. Imagine a beautifully embroidered piece of fabric with thousands of tiny stitches, or a set of instructions that covers every single tiny step. That's the essence of 'komakai' – a focus on the small, the precise, and the thorough. It’s the opposite of something broad or general; it’s all about the nitty-gritty!
We use 'komakai' to talk about everything from the texture of sand (fine sand is 'komakai suna') to the level of detail in a plan ('komakai keikaku'). It’s a versatile word that helps us appreciate the smaller, often overlooked, aspects of the world around us. So, next time you see something with lots of tiny parts or a plan that's super specific, you can think, 'Ah, that's 'komakai'!'
The word komakai (細かい) has a rich history rooted in the Japanese language. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Japanese, where the concept of smallness and fineness was crucial for describing the natural world and early crafts. The character 細 itself, often read as 'sai' or 'hosoi', carries the core meaning of thinness, fineness, or detail.
Over centuries, as Japanese society developed, so did the nuances of its vocabulary. 'Komakai' evolved to encompass not just physical minuteness but also the abstract qualities of meticulousness and precision. In feudal Japan, for instance, the creation of intricate samurai swords or delicate pottery required 'komakai' craftsmanship, highlighting the word's connection to skill and attention to detail.
Interestingly, the kanji 細 is also found in other East Asian languages, reflecting shared linguistic roots. While its usage might differ slightly, the fundamental idea of fineness or smallness is often present. The evolution of 'komakai' mirrors the development of Japanese culture itself, from appreciating the subtle beauty of nature to valuing precision in art, science, and daily life. It's a word that truly captures a detailed aspect of the Japanese worldview.
Alright, let's talk about how to actually *use* komakai (細かい) in a sentence! This word is a real workhorse in Japanese, and understanding its common pairings, or collocations, will make you sound much more natural.
You'll often hear 'komakai' used to describe physical things. For example, komakai ame (細かい雨) means a fine drizzle, not heavy rain. If you're talking about ingredients, komakai go (細かい粉) is a fine powder, like flour. When discussing money, komakai kane (細かい金) refers to small change or coins, as opposed to large bills.
Beyond physical descriptions, 'komakai' shines when talking about details and precision. A komakai setsu (細かい説明) is a detailed explanation, covering all the small points. If someone is very careful and pays attention to every little thing, you might describe their work as komakai shigoto (細かい仕事). In contrast, if a plan is too bogged down in tiny details and loses sight of the bigger picture, it might be criticized as being *too* 'komakai'.
In terms of formality, 'komakai' is generally a neutral term. You can use it in everyday conversations, business settings, and even in more formal writing, though in very academic contexts, you might opt for a more specific synonym depending on the exact nuance. It's a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between casual chats and more serious discussions.
While komakai (細かい) itself isn't usually part of a fixed idiom in the way some other words are, its meaning of 'detail' or 'smallness' is central to many expressions and concepts in Japanese. Think of these as phrases where the *spirit* of 'komakai' is alive and kicking!
One common idea is the importance of komakai koto ni ki o tsukeru (細かいことに気をつける), which means 'to pay attention to small details'. This is often said as advice for doing a good job, whether in cooking, crafting, or even relationships. It emphasizes thoroughness and care.
Another related concept is komakai riyuu (細かい理由), meaning 'trivial reasons' or 'minor details'. Sometimes, people might get stuck on these 'komakai riyuu' and miss the main point, showing how 'komakai' can sometimes imply something is insignificant if not handled correctly.
You might also hear about komakai seikaku (細かい性格), describing someone who is meticulous, perhaps even to a fault – someone who worries about every little thing. This highlights the potential for 'komakai' to lean towards being overly fussy.
The idea of breaking something down into 'komakai' parts is also key in analysis. When you dissect a problem into its smallest components, you're engaging with the 'komakai' aspects of it. So, while not always in a set phrase, the essence of 'komakai' – the focus on the small and the detailed – permeates many ways Japanese speakers talk about precision, thoroughness, and sometimes, even fussiness!
Let's break down the grammar and sound of komakai (細かい). As an adjective, it behaves quite predictably in Japanese sentences. It's a 'na'-adjective, meaning it often connects to nouns using the particle 'na' when modifying them directly (e.g., komakai hana - fine flowers). However, when used predicatively (at the end of a sentence), it simply takes 'da' or 'desu' (e.g., Kono hana wa komakai desu - These flowers are fine).
Pronunciation-wise, 'komakai' has three distinct syllables: ko-ma-ka-i. The stress is fairly even across the syllables, without a strong emphasis on any one part, which is typical for many Japanese words. When speaking, aim for a clear, crisp pronunciation of each syllable.
For our English speakers, the 'ko' sounds like the 'co' in 'coat'. The 'ma' is like the 'ma' in 'mama'. The 'ka' is like the 'ca' in 'car'. And the final 'i' is like the 'ee' in 'see'. Put it together: ko-ma-kai.
In terms of pronunciation, common pitfalls for English speakers might include making the vowels too short or adding an unnatural stress. Remember, Japanese pronunciation is generally flatter and more even than English. Try listening to native speakers and mimicking their rhythm. Rhyming words aren't a major feature in Japanese in the same way as English, but practicing 'komakai' alongside similar-sounding adjectives like 'chiisai' (small) or 'tsumaranai' (boring) can help refine your pronunciation and distinguish between similar sounds.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'komakai' is deeply embedded in Japanese aesthetics, valuing subtlety and precision in art, crafts, and even social interactions.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'koh-mah-kai', with relatively even stress on each syllable. The 'o' sounds are short, and the 'ai' is a diphthong like in 'sky'.
Similar to UK, 'koh-mah-kai'. The emphasis is gentle and spread across the syllables. Ensure the 'i' at the end sounds like 'ee'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ko' as 'coo' or 'kaw'.
- Adding too much stress to one syllable, making it sound unnatural.
- Pronouncing the final 'i' as a short 'ih' sound instead of 'ee'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Commonly encountered, but nuances require careful reading.
Requires understanding of context to use appropriately.
Relatively easy to pronounce, but choosing the right context is key.
Recognizable once you know the meaning and common contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanc
Grammar to Know
Adjective conjugation (Na-adjectives)
Komakai hana (fine flowers) vs. Kirei na hana (beautiful flowers)
Adverbial forms of adjectives
Komakai (adj) -> Komakaku (adv) - e.g., 細かく描く (draw finely)
Using particles like 'ga' and 'wa' with adjectives
この砂は細かいです (Kono suna wa komakai desu) vs. 細かい砂があります (Komakai suna ga arimasu)
Examples by Level
この雨は細かいです。
This rain is fine.
The adjective 'komakai' (細かい) describes the noun 'ame' (雨 - rain).
砂糖は細かいです。
Sugar is fine.
'Desu' is used at the end of the sentence.
細かい砂があります。
There is fine sand.
'Arimasu' means 'there is/are'.
これは細かい仕事です。
This is detailed work.
'Shigoto' means work.
細かい字が読めません。
I can't read the fine print.
'Ji' means letters or characters.
細かいお金をください。
Please give me small change.
'Okane' means money.
細かい計画が必要です。
A detailed plan is necessary.
'Hitsuyou desu' means 'is necessary'.
細かい点に注意してください。
Please pay attention to the small details.
'Chyuui shite kudasai' means 'please pay attention'.
この糸はとても細かいですね。
This thread is very fine, isn't it?
'Ito' means thread. 'Totemo' means very.
彼は細かい作業が得意です。
He is good at detailed work.
'Sagyou' means work or operation. 'Tokui desu' means is good at.
細かい部品がたくさんあります。
There are many small parts.
'Buhin' means parts or components.
細かい説明をお願いします。
Please give me a detailed explanation.
'Onegaishimasu' is a polite request.
細かい雨が降ってきた。
A fine drizzle started to fall.
'Futte kita' means started to fall.
細かいお金で払います。
I will pay with small change.
'Haraimasu' means to pay.
細かい文字を読むのは難しい。
Reading fine print is difficult.
'Yomu' means to read. 'Muzukashii' means difficult.
この計画は細かいところまで考えている。
This plan considers even the small details.
'Kangaete iru' means is thinking about or considering.
細かい網目から魚が逃げてしまった。
The fish escaped through the fine mesh.
'Ami' means net. 'Nigete shimatta' implies something happened unintentionally.
彼は細かい仕事でも手を抜かない。
He doesn't cut corners even on detailed work.
'Te o nukanai' means not to cut corners or skimp.
細かいことを気にしすぎると、疲れてしまいますよ。
If you worry too much about small things, you'll get tired.
'Ki ni shisugiru' means to worry too much about.
この絵は、髪の毛一本一本まで細かく描かれている。
This painting depicts every single strand of hair in detail.
Here, 'komakaku' is the adverbial form, meaning 'in detail'.
細かい傷がたくさんついている。
There are many fine scratches on it.
'Kizu' means scratch. 'Tsuiteru' means has been attached or acquired.
細かい要望にも応えてくれる親切な店員だった。
The shop assistant was kind and met even the minor requests.
'Youbou' means request or demand. 'Kotaete kureru' means kindly responds to.
細かい砂が靴の中に入ってしまった。
Fine sand got into my shoes.
'Kutsu no naka' means inside the shoes.
彼は一度決めたことは、細かい点まで徹底的に実行する。
Once he decides something, he executes it thoroughly down to the smallest detail.
'Tetteiteki ni jikkou suru' means to execute thoroughly.
このマニュアルは、初心者でも理解できるよう、細かい部分まで丁寧に解説されている。
This manual explains even the fine details carefully so that beginners can understand.
'Manyuaru' is manual. 'Shoshinsha' means beginner. 'Rikai dekiru you' means so that one can understand.
彼の説明はあまりに細かすぎて、かえって要点が掴みにくかった。
His explanation was too detailed, making it difficult to grasp the main points.
'Youten' means main point. 'Tsukaminikui' means difficult to grasp.
細かい株を取引するのは、リスクが高いと言われている。
Trading in small-cap stocks is said to be high-risk.
'Kabu' means stock. 'Torihiki suru' means to trade. 'Risuku ga takai' means high risk.
彼女は、わずかな金額の誤差も見逃さない、極めて細かい経理担当者だ。
She is an extremely meticulous accountant who doesn't miss even slight discrepancies in amounts.
'Gosa' means error or discrepancy. 'Minogasanai' means not to miss. 'Keiri tantousha' means accountant.
細かい粒子が空気中に舞っていた。
Fine particles were dancing in the air.
'Ryuushi' means particle. 'Kuuchuu' means in the air. 'Mau' means to dance or flutter.
この伝統工芸品は、細かい彫刻が見事だ。
The fine carvings on this traditional craftwork are superb.
'Choukoku' means carving. 'Migoto da' means is superb or magnificent.
細かい議論に終始し、本質的な問題から目をそらしていた。
They were bogged down in minor arguments, diverting their attention from the essential issue.
'Shuushi suru' means to be occupied with. 'Honshitsu-teki na mondai' means essential issue.
細かい指示がないと、彼は何をしていいかわからなくなる。
Without detailed instructions, he becomes unsure of what to do.
'Shiji' means instruction. 'Nani o shite ii ka wakaranaku naru' means becomes unable to know what to do.
彼の小説は、登場人物の心理描写が極めて細かく、読者を引き込む力がある。
His novel features extremely detailed psychological portrayals of the characters, possessing the power to draw readers in.
'Shousetsu' means novel. 'Toujou jinbutsu' means characters. 'Shinri byousha' means psychological portrayal.
この精密機械の組み立てには、ミリ単位以下の細かい調整が不可欠だ。
The assembly of this precision machine requires minute adjustments, smaller than the millimeter scale.
'Seimitsu kikai' means precision machine. 'Kumiate' means assembly. 'Fukaketsu' means indispensable.
会議では、些細な論点に固執するあまり、本来議論すべき大局が見失われがちだ。
In meetings, there's a tendency to lose sight of the broader perspective that should be discussed, due to an excessive adherence to trivial points.
'Sagai na ronten' means trivial point. 'Koshitsu suru amari' means too much adherence. 'Taikyoku' means broad perspective.
その芸術家の作品は、光と影の微妙な諧調を捉える、極めて細かい筆致が特徴である。
The artist's works are characterized by extremely fine brushstrokes that capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow.
'Geijutsuka' means artist. 'Kaichou' means tone or harmony. 'Fudechi' means brushstroke.
彼は、細部にまで配慮が行き届いた、周到な計画を立てた。
He formulated a thorough plan, with consideration extended down to the minutest details.
'Shuuchou na keikaku' means thorough plan. 'Hairyo ga ikitodoita' means consideration reached.
細かい振動さえも感知する高感度センサーが開発された。
A highly sensitive sensor capable of detecting even minute vibrations has been developed.
'Shindou' means vibration. 'Kanchisuru' means to detect. 'Kou-kando' means high sensitivity.
この古典文学の翻訳は、原文の持つニュアンスを損なわないよう、細かい言葉遣いにまで気を配っている。
This translation of classical literature pays attention to the finest nuances of wording, so as not to compromise the original text's feel.
'Gensaku' means original work. 'Nyuansu' means nuance. 'Kotoba tsukai' means wording.
細かな配慮のおかげで、会議は円滑に進み、参加者全員が満足した。
Thanks to the meticulous considerations, the meeting proceeded smoothly, and all participants were satisfied.
'Enkatsu ni susumi' means proceeded smoothly. 'Sannka-sha zen'in' means all participants.
その微分幾何学の論文は、多様体上の微細な構造解析に新たな地平を切り開いた。
That paper on differential geometry opened new horizons in the analysis of minute structures on manifolds.
'Bibun kikagaku' means differential geometry. 'Tayoutai' means manifold. 'Chisei' means analysis.
彼の描く静物画は、光沢や質感までもが克明に写し取られており、その微細な描写力には目を見張るものがある。
The still life paintings he creates meticulously capture even the luster and texture, his capacity for minute depiction being truly astonishing.
'Seibutsu-ga' means still life painting. 'Kousoku' means luster. 'Shitsukan' means texture. 'Katsumei ni utsushi torareru' means to be depicted meticulously.
この古文書の解読は、文字の摩耗した部分やかすかな墨痕に至るまで、専門家による極めて細かい注釈を要する。
Deciphering this ancient document requires extremely detailed annotations by experts, down to the worn parts of the characters and faint ink traces.
'Komonjo' means ancient document. 'Kaidoku' means deciphering. 'Mamou shita' means worn out. 'Kasuka na' means faint.
量子力学における観測問題は、微視的な相互作用の複雑な絡み合いに根差している。
The measurement problem in quantum mechanics is rooted in the complex entanglement of microscopic interactions.
'Ryoutshi rikigaku' means quantum mechanics. 'Kansatsu mondai' means measurement problem. 'Bishi-teki na' means microscopic.
その批評家は、文学作品の細部に宿る美学的な意味合いを言語化する卓越した能力を持っていた。
That critic possessed an exceptional ability to articulate the aesthetic implications residing in the minutiae of literary works.
'Hihyouka' means critic. 'Bigaku-teki na imiai' means aesthetic implication. 'Gengoka suru' means to articulate.
最新のゲノム編集技術は、DNA配列の極めて細かいレベルでの操作を可能にした。
The latest genome editing technology has enabled manipulation at an extremely fine level of the DNA sequence.
'Genomu henshuu gijutsu' means genome editing technology. 'D N A retsu' means DNA sequence.
彼は、単なる事実の羅列に留まらず、その背後にある微細な因果関係までをも読み解く洞察力に富んでいた。
He was endowed with an insight that could unravel even the subtle causal relationships behind the facts, not merely listing them.
'Jijitsu no raretsu' means listing of facts. 'Haikou ni aru' means behind. 'Inka kankei' means causal relationship.
この香水の調香は、繊細な香りの階層を幾重にも重ね合わせる、極めて緻密な計算に基づいている。
The perfumery of this fragrance is based on extremely precise calculations, layering delicate scent hierarchies multiple times.
'Kou-sui' means perfume. 'Choukou' means perfumery. 'Kaisou' means hierarchy. 'Chimitsu na keisan' means precise calculation.
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"細かいこと言うな (komakai koto iu na)"
Don't sweat the small stuff; don't be petty.
そんな細かいこと言うなよ、気にしない気にしない！
casual"細かいところまで気にする (komakai tokoro made ki ni suru)"
To be particular about every little detail; to be fussy.
彼は本当に細かいところまで気にする性格だから、注意が必要だ。
neutral"細かい金で払う (komakai kane de harau)"
To pay with small change or coins.
すみません、細かい金で払ってもいいですか？
neutral"細かい網目 (komakai amime)"
Fine mesh (often used literally, e.g., for nets, sieves).
このザルは細かい網目になっているので、粉が通りにくい。
neutral"細かい字を読む (komakai ji o yomu)"
To read fine print or tiny characters.
契約書の細かい字を読むのに苦労した。
neutral"細かい説明 (komakai setsumei)"
Detailed explanation.
この製品については、細かい説明書が付属しています。
neutralEasily Confused
Both can mean 'small'.
'Chiisai' refers to general small size. 'Komakai' refers to fineness, having many small parts, or being detailed.
A small child: 小さい子供 (chiisai kodomo). Fine sand: 細かい砂 (komakai suna).
Both describe texture or detail level.
'Komakai' means fine, smooth, detailed. 'Arai' means coarse, rough, not detailed.
Fine powder: 細かい粉 (komakai go). Coarse powder: 粗い粉 (arai go).
Both relate to level of detail.
'Komakai' is detailed and precise. 'Oozappa na' is rough, general, not precise.
Detailed instructions: 細かい指示 (komakai shiji). Rough instructions: 大雑把な指示 (oozappa na shiji).
Both contain the kanji 細 and relate to smallness/thinness.
'Komakai' refers to fineness, detail, or many small parts. 'Hosoi' specifically refers to physical thinness or slenderness (like a thin string or a slender person).
A thin string: 細い糸 (hosoi ito). Fine dust: 細かい塵 (komakai chiri).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は + 細かい + です/だ。
この砂は細かいです。
細かい + Noun
彼は細かい仕事が得意だ。
Noun + の + 細かい + Noun
この機械の細かい部品を組み立てる。
Verb + 細かく + Verb
先生は内容を細かく説明してくれた。
細かい + Noun + を + Verb
細かい点をすべて確認してください。
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Apparenté
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
'Komakai' emphasizes fineness or detail, not just general smallness. For a regular small cat, 'chiisai' is better.
'Komakai' means fine grains, while 'arai' means large grains or rough texture.
While 'komakai' can imply small numbers, 'wazuka' specifically quantifies a small amount.
If the focus is on complexity rather than the smallness of individual parts, other words like 'fukuzatsu na' (complex) might be better.
When describing *how* an action is done (e.g., explaining, drawing), the adverbial form 'komakaku' is needed.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a tiny, detailed miniature world inside a palace. Every little thing is 'komakai'. Focus on the intricate details of furniture, people, and landscapes within this 'Komakai Palace'.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'komakai ame' on rainy days, 'komakai kane' when paying with coins, or 'komakai setsumei' when someone explains something thoroughly. Notice how it describes both physical details and levels of precision.
Cultural Insight
Japanese culture often values precision and attention to detail, from craftsmanship to service. 'Komakai' reflects this appreciation for the intricate and the well-executed.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 'komakai' is often followed by 'na' when directly modifying a noun (komakai hana - fine flowers), but stands alone with 'desu' at the end of a sentence (Kono hana wa komakai desu - These flowers are fine).
Say It Right
Practice saying ko-ma-kai clearly and evenly. Avoid stressing one syllable too much. Think of it as three distinct, crisp sounds.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 'komakai' for things that are just generally 'big'. If it's a large object with many parts, but the parts themselves aren't necessarily 'fine' or 'detailed', 'chiisai' (small) or other adjectives might be better.
Did You Know?
The kanji '細' (sai/hoso) itself visually represents something thin and detailed, like a thread passing through an eye, highlighting the word's core meaning.
Study Smart
Create flashcards contrasting 'komakai' (fine/detailed) with its antonyms like 'arai' (coarse) and 'oozappa na' (rough/general) to solidify the meaning.
Expand Your Range
Learn synonyms like 'chimitsu na' (meticulous) and 'seikou na' (intricate) to express even finer shades of meaning in more formal contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'Coma Kai' (like a character's name) who is so meticulous, they even count the coma marks in a text! Or, think of 'co-maker' who needs every tiny detail confirmed.
Visual Association
Picture tiny, fine grains of sand (komakai suna) slipping through your fingers, or a very detailed, intricate map.
Word Web
Défi
Find five things around you that are 'komakai' and describe them in Japanese (or English, thinking of the Japanese word).
Origine du mot
Japanese
Original meaning: The kanji 細 originally depicted a thread (糸) passing through the eye of a needle (目), signifying thinness and fineness.
Contexte culturel
While 'komakai' itself is neutral, describing someone as having a 'komakai seikaku' (細かい性格 - fussy personality) can sometimes be a mild criticism, implying they are overly particular or nitpicky.
In English, we use words like 'fine', 'detailed', 'meticulous', 'intricate', 'small', 'tiny', 'granular', depending on the context. There isn't one single word that covers all nuances of 'komakai'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing weather
- 細かい雨 (komakai ame) - fine drizzle
- 細かい雪 (komakai yuki) - fine snow
Cooking and food
- 細かい粉 (komakai go) - fine powder
- 細かいみじん切り (komakai mijin giri) - finely minced
Crafts and manufacturing
- 細かい仕事 (komakai shigoto) - detailed work
- 細かい部品 (komakai buhin) - small parts
- 細かい彫刻 (komakai choukoku) - fine carving
Finance and shopping
- 細かい金 (komakai kane) - small change
- 細かい請求書 (komakai seikyuusho) - detailed invoice
Conversation Starters
"What kind of 'komakai' things do you notice in your daily life?"
"Do you prefer detailed plans ('komakai keikaku') or more general ones?"
"When you buy something, do you prefer to pay with large bills or 'komakai kane' (small change)?"
"Can you think of a time when paying attention to 'komakai koto' (small details) was really important?"
"Is there a craft or hobby you enjoy that requires 'komakai shigoto' (detailed work)?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a place you've visited, focusing on the 'komakai' details that made it memorable.
Write about a time you had to follow very 'komakai' instructions. Was it easy or difficult?
Reflect on a skill you have. How much does 'komakai' attention to detail contribute to your mastery of it?
Think about a piece of art or music that you find particularly 'komakai'. What makes it so detailed?
Questions fréquentes
8 questions'Chiisai' is the general word for 'small' in size. 'Komakai' implies smallness but specifically emphasizes fineness, detail, or having many small parts. For example, a small cat is 'chiisai neko', but fine sand is 'komakai suna'.
Yes, absolutely! It's used for detailed explanations ('komakai setsumei'), meticulous plans ('komakai keikaku'), or even trivial matters ('komakai koto').
Not necessarily. While it often implies precision and thoroughness, it can sometimes suggest being overly fussy or concerned with trivial details, depending on the context.
It's pronounced ko-ma-kai, with relatively even stress on each syllable. Think 'koh-mah-kai'.
The opposites depend on the nuance. For 'fine/detailed', it could be 'arai' (coarse/rough) or 'oozappa na' (general/rough). For 'small', it's 'ookii' (big).
Use 'komakaku' when you want to describe *how* an action is performed, meaning 'in detail' or 'finely'. For example, 'komakaku kaku' (to draw finely) or 'komakaku setsumei suru' (to explain in detail).
Yes, learners sometimes use it when 'chiisai' (small) is more appropriate for general size, or they might not distinguish between its positive sense (detailed) and potentially negative sense (fussy).
Not typically for general time periods. While you might talk about 'komakai go-ji' (five minutes past the hour) in a very specific counting context, it's more common to use other expressions for time.
Teste-toi
この砂糖は＿＿＿です。
'Komakai' means fine, like fine sugar.
What does 'komakai ame' (細かい雨) mean?
'Komakai ame' refers to light, fine rain.
If a plan is described as 'komakai', it means it is vague and lacks detail.
'Komakai' means detailed, not vague.
Word
Signification
These pairs show common uses of 'komakai'.
The correct sentence is '細かい説明をしてください' (Please give a detailed explanation).
契約書の＿＿＿文字を読むのに苦労した。
'Komakai ji' refers to the fine print in a contract.
Which word best describes a plan that is overly focused on trivial matters?
While 'komakai' means detailed, in this context, focusing too much on 'sasai na' (trivial) matters can be implied, and 'komakai' can lean towards being overly fussy.
The adverbial form 'komakaku' (細かく) is used when describing the manner of an action.
Adverbial forms modify verbs, describing how an action is performed, e.g., 'explain in detail'.
この絵は、光と影の＿＿＿描写が見事だ。
'Komakai描写' refers to the detailed depiction of light and shadow.
Create a sentence using 'komakai' to describe a very precise or intricate process.
Example: 微生物の観察には、顕微鏡を使った細かい操作が必要です。(Observing microorganisms requires delicate manipulation using a microscope.)
Score : /10
Summary
Master 'komakai' to describe the world with precision, from the smallest grain of sand to the most intricate plan.
- Komakai (細かい) means small, fine, detailed, or meticulous.
- It describes physical things (fine sand) and abstract concepts (detailed plans).
- Common collocations include 'komakai ame' (fine drizzle) and 'komakai kane' (small change).
- Context is important: it can be positive (precise) or slightly negative (fussy).
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a tiny, detailed miniature world inside a palace. Every little thing is 'komakai'. Focus on the intricate details of furniture, people, and landscapes within this 'Komakai Palace'.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'komakai ame' on rainy days, 'komakai kane' when paying with coins, or 'komakai setsumei' when someone explains something thoroughly. Notice how it describes both physical details and levels of precision.
Cultural Insight
Japanese culture often values precision and attention to detail, from craftsmanship to service. 'Komakai' reflects this appreciation for the intricate and the well-executed.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 'komakai' is often followed by 'na' when directly modifying a noun (komakai hana - fine flowers), but stands alone with 'desu' at the end of a sentence (Kono hana wa komakai desu - These flowers are fine).
Exemple
彼は細かいことによく気がつく。
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Ce mot dans d'autres langues
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異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
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