When you're learning Japanese at a B1 level, you're moving beyond basic survival phrases. Understanding words like 詳しい (koshii) helps you express more complex ideas and understand nuances in conversation.
You might use 詳しい (koshii) to describe something that is very detailed, like a map or a report. It can also be used to describe someone who is very knowledgeable about a particular subject. For example, if someone knows a lot about Japanese history, you could say they are 日本史に詳しい (Nihonshi ni koshii).
Pronunciation Guide
- pronouncing the 'u' too strongly after 'k'
- not extending the final 'i' sound
Examples by Level
その件については、彼が一番詳しいです。
He is the most knowledgeable about that matter.
もっと詳しい情報が必要です。
I need more detailed information.
彼女はワインにとても詳しいです。
She is very knowledgeable about wine.
詳しい地図があれば迷いません。
If I had a detailed map, I wouldn't get lost.
その事故の原因について詳しい調査が行われています。
A detailed investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
この機械の操作方法は、説明書に詳しく書かれています。
The operating instructions for this machine are written in detail in the manual.
彼は歴史に詳しいので、いろいろ教えてもらいました。
Since he is knowledgeable about history, he taught me various things.
後で詳しい話をしましょう。
Let's talk in detail later.
その件については、彼が一番詳しいです。
Regarding that matter, he is the most knowledgeable.
この説明書は詳しいので、誰でも簡単に組み立てられます。
This instruction manual is detailed, so anyone can easily assemble it.
彼女は日本の歴史にとても詳しいです。
She is very knowledgeable about Japanese history.
もっと詳しい情報が必要でしたら、遠慮なくお尋ねください。
If you need more detailed information, please don't hesitate to ask.
その事故の詳しい状況はまだ分かっていません。
The detailed circumstances of that accident are not yet known.
彼はその分野の専門家なので、詳しい話を聞くことができます。
He is an expert in that field, so you can hear a detailed explanation.
この本は、日本の文化について詳しく書かれています。
This book is written in detail about Japanese culture.
詳しい道順を教えていただけますか？
Could you tell me the detailed directions?
Often Confused With
While both relate to knowledge, 詳しい describes a state of being knowledgeable or having detailed information, whereas 知る is the verb 'to know' or 'to find out'.
This phrase means 'to explain in detail.' While similar in meaning, 詳しい is an adjective. Students might use this verb phrase when a simple adjective is needed.
This phrase means 'there is a lot of information.' While related, 詳しい specifically refers to the quality of being detailed or knowledgeable, not just the quantity of information.
Idioms & Expressions
"詳しい情報をありがとうございます。"
Thank you for the detailed information.
新しいプロジェクトについて、詳しい情報をありがとうございます。
formal"この分野に詳しい人が必要です。"
We need someone knowledgeable in this field.
新しいチームには、この分野に詳しい人が必要です。
neutral"もっと詳しく教えてください。"
Please tell me in more detail.
その件について、もっと詳しく教えてください。
neutral"彼は日本の歴史に詳しい。"
He is knowledgeable about Japanese history.
彼は日本の歴史に詳しいので、質問があれば聞いてみてください。
neutral"具体的な指示が欲しい。"
I want specific instructions.
もっと詳しい、具体的な指示が欲しいです。
neutral"あの人は話が長いけど、詳しいよ。"
That person talks a lot, but they're very detailed/knowledgeable.
あの人は話が長いけど、そのテーマについてはすごく詳しいよ。
informal"詳しいことは後で連絡します。"
I'll contact you later with details.
詳しいことは後で改めて連絡します。
formal"詳しく説明してください。"
Please explain in detail.
その機能について、詳しく説明してください。
neutral"彼はその店の詳しい場所を知っている。"
He knows the specific location of that shop.
彼はその店の詳しい場所を知っているから、聞いてみよう。
neutral"何か詳しい情報ありますか？"
Do you have any detailed information?
その事件について、何か詳しい情報ありますか？
neutralEasily Confused
Both 詳しい and 細かい can mean 'detailed.' However, 細かい often refers to physical smallness or fineness, or meticulousness in action.
詳しい describes someone or something as knowledgeable or having a lot of information, while 細かい describes something as physically small, intricate, or a person as meticulous about small things.
細かい字を読むのは大変です。 (It's hard to read small print.)
丁寧 can also imply thoroughness or attention to detail, similar to 詳しい.
丁寧 describes politeness, carefulness, or thoroughness in an action or manner. 詳しい is about having deep knowledge or being descriptive.
彼女はいつも丁寧な言葉遣いをします。 (She always uses polite language.)
This is not a separate word, but a common phrase. Students might confuse the usage of 詳しい as an adjective with its use in a noun phrase.
When 詳しい is used with 人 (hito), it specifically means 'a knowledgeable person' or 'an expert.'
彼は日本の歴史に詳しい人です。 (He is a person knowledgeable about Japanese history.)
詳細 also means 'details' or 'in detail,' which can be confusing.
詳細 is often used as a noun meaning 'details' or an adverb meaning 'in detail.' 詳しい is an adjective describing something as detailed or someone as knowledgeable.
詳細はこちらのウェブサイトをご覧ください。 (Please see this website for details.)
Both imply knowledge. Students might use 知っている when 詳しい is more appropriate to express deep knowledge.
知っている means 'to know' or 'to be aware of' something. 詳しい implies a deeper, more comprehensive understanding or detailed information about a subject.
そのニュースは知っていますか？ (Do you know about that news?)
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Tips
Basic Meaning of 詳しい
Understand that 詳しい (kuwashii) generally means detailed or thorough. It describes information, explanations, or even people who possess a lot of information.
詳しい for Knowledgeable People
You can use 詳しい to describe someone who is knowledgeable about a particular subject. For example, あの人は日本史に詳しいです (Ano hito wa Nihonshi ni kuwashii desu) means 'That person is knowledgeable about Japanese history.'
詳しい for Detailed Information
When referring to information, 詳しい means detailed. For instance, 詳しい説明をお願いします (Kuwashii setsumei o onegai shimasu) means 'Please give me a detailed explanation.'
Don't Confuse with 細かい
While both can mean detailed, 詳しい often implies comprehensive understanding or information, whereas 細かい (komakai) often refers to fine details or minute aspects.
Common Phrases with 詳しい
Memorize common phrases. よくご存知ですね、詳しい！ (Yoku gozonji desu ne, kuwashii!) - 'You know a lot, you're knowledgeable!' or 詳しい情報を教えてください (Kuwashii jōhō o oshiete kudasai) - 'Please tell me the detailed information.'
Adverbial Form: 詳しく
The adverbial form is 詳しく (kuwashiku). It means in detail or thoroughly. Example: 詳しく説明する (Kuwashiku setsumei suru) - 'to explain in detail.'
Use with Topic Particles
When describing a person's knowledge, use the particle に (ni) with the topic. For example, 彼はこのテーマに詳しい (Kare wa kono tēma ni kuwashii) - 'He is knowledgeable about this topic.'
More Formal Alternatives
For more formal situations, words like 詳細 (shōsai - details) or 精通 (seitsu - well-versed) might be used, but 詳しい is perfectly acceptable in most everyday contexts.
Practice with Examples
Create your own example sentences. Try describing someone you know who is 詳しい about something, or ask for 詳しい information about a subject you're interested in. 練習 (Renshū) is key!
Test Yourself 18 questions
This is detailed information.
He is knowledgeable about that.
I want to hear more specific details.
Read this aloud:
詳しい
Focus: くわしい (ku-wa-shii)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この本は詳しいです。
Focus: このほんはくわしいです (ko-no hon wa ku-wa-shii desu)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
詳しい人を知っていますか？
Focus: くわしいひとをしっていますか (ku-wa-shii hi-to o shi-tte-i-masu ka)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'He is knowledgeable about that matter.' '詳しい' (kushii) describes someone as being detailed or knowledgeable.
This sentence means 'More detailed information is needed.' Here, '詳しい' modifies '情報' (jōhō), meaning 'detailed information.'
This sentence means 'This map is very detailed.' '詳しい' is used here to describe the level of detail in the map.
This sentence means 'He is knowledgeable in that field.' The particles 'は' and 'に' indicate the subject and the field of knowledge, respectively.
This means 'More detailed information is needed.' 'もっと' (more) modifies '詳しい' (detailed), and 'が必要' indicates necessity.
This sentence translates to 'She is knowledgeable about travel plans.' The particle 'に' is used to indicate the specific area of knowledge.
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of 詳しい
Understand that 詳しい (kuwashii) generally means detailed or thorough. It describes information, explanations, or even people who possess a lot of information.
詳しい for Knowledgeable People
You can use 詳しい to describe someone who is knowledgeable about a particular subject. For example, あの人は日本史に詳しいです (Ano hito wa Nihonshi ni kuwashii desu) means 'That person is knowledgeable about Japanese history.'
詳しい for Detailed Information
When referring to information, 詳しい means detailed. For instance, 詳しい説明をお願いします (Kuwashii setsumei o onegai shimasu) means 'Please give me a detailed explanation.'
Don't Confuse with 細かい
While both can mean detailed, 詳しい often implies comprehensive understanding or information, whereas 細かい (komakai) often refers to fine details or minute aspects.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
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.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
