Focusing on the small, specific parts that make up a whole.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the small, specific components of a whole.
- Often used to discuss attention to detail or planning.
- Essential for describing thoroughness in professional or creative work.
Overview
- 1概要：細部は、全体を形作る一つ一つの小さな要素を指します。大きな計画や複雑な構造物、あるいは物語や議論において、目立ちにくいけれど重要な部分を表現する際に用いられます。2) 使用パターン：名詞として独立して使われるほか、「細部にわたる（細部まで及ぶ）」や「細部にこだわる」といった表現で頻繁に使用されます。また、「細部を詰める」という表現は、物事を決定する段階で細かい調整を行うことを意味します。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスのプレゼンテーションや契約書の確認、芸術作品の鑑賞、あるいは日常生活での計画立案など、幅広く使われます。特に注意深さが求められる場面で「細部へのこだわり」が重視されます。4) 類語との比較：似た言葉に「末端」や「詳細」があります。「末端」は組織や構造の端の方を指し、「詳細」は情報や説明が詳しいことを指します。一方、「細部」は全体の中の小さなパーツそのものに焦点を当てている点が特徴です。
Examples
細部まで丁寧に描かれた絵画です。
everydayIt is a painting drawn carefully down to the smallest detail.
契約書の細部を検討する必要があります。
formalWe need to examine the details of the contract.
計画の細部を詰める。
informalTo finalize the details of the plan.
この理論の細部には議論の余地がある。
academicThe details of this theory are open to debate.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
神は細部に宿る
God is in the details.
細部を詰める
To iron out the details.
細部にこだわる
To pay attention to the smallest details.
Often Confused With
Refers to the depth of information or a full explanation. It focuses on the content being detailed rather than the small parts themselves.
Refers to the end or extremity of something, often used for organizations or physical structures. It lacks the nuance of 'small parts of a whole' that '細部' has.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '細部' is generally formal and suitable for professional or serious discussions. In casual conversation, '細かいところ' is preferred. Use it when you want to highlight the significance of small elements within a larger structure.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use '細部' to mean 'details' in the sense of 'information' (like contact details). For information, use '詳細' instead. Remember that '細部' refers to the physical or conceptual parts of a structure.
Tips
Use with verbs like '詰める' or 'こだわる'
Pairing '細部' with '詰める' implies finalizing details, while 'こだわる' shows high attention to them. These collocations make your Japanese sound much more natural.
Avoid overusing in casual talk
While correct, '細部' can sound slightly formal. In very casual settings, '細かいところ' is a more common and relaxed alternative.
Japanese appreciation for detail
Japanese culture places a high value on '細部へのこだわり' (attention to detail). This concept is central to Japanese craftsmanship and service standards.
Word Origin
Derived from the Kanji '細' (thin/small) and '部' (part/section). It literally combines the concepts of smallness and compartmentalization.
Cultural Context
The concept of '細部へのこだわり' is a hallmark of Japanese quality control (Kaizen). It reflects a cultural emphasis on precision and thoroughness in all tasks.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Sai' (細) as a thin, tiny thread. 'Bu' (部) is a part. So, '細部' is a tiny part of the whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「詳細」は内容が詳しいことや、詳しい情報を指すことが多いです。一方、「細部」は全体を構成する小さなパーツそのものを指します。
小さな部分まで丁寧に仕上げたり、注意を払ったりすることを意味します。ポジティブな評価として使われることが多いです。
はい、使えます。ただし、少し硬い表現なので、友人同士の会話よりは仕事や説明の場面でより自然に使われます。
「全体」や「大枠」が反対語として適しています。全体像と細部を対比させて話すことがよくあります。
Test Yourself
プロジェクトの成功のためには、___まで確認する必要がある。
文脈的に、小さな部分まで確認することが重要であるため「細部」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Focusing on the small, specific parts that make up a whole.
- Refers to the small, specific components of a whole.
- Often used to discuss attention to detail or planning.
- Essential for describing thoroughness in professional or creative work.
Use with verbs like '詰める' or 'こだわる'
Pairing '細部' with '詰める' implies finalizing details, while 'こだわる' shows high attention to them. These collocations make your Japanese sound much more natural.
Avoid overusing in casual talk
While correct, '細部' can sound slightly formal. In very casual settings, '細かいところ' is a more common and relaxed alternative.
Japanese appreciation for detail
Japanese culture places a high value on '細部へのこだわり' (attention to detail). This concept is central to Japanese craftsmanship and service standards.
Examples
4 of 4細部まで丁寧に描かれた絵画です。
It is a painting drawn carefully down to the smallest detail.
契約書の細部を検討する必要があります。
We need to examine the details of the contract.
計画の細部を詰める。
To finalize the details of the plan.
この理論の細部には議論の余地がある。
The details of this theory are open to debate.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
