Japanese Conversation · Level 28
90 words
Japanese word
細かい
Pronunciation
Romajikomakai
Meaning
- i-adjectivesmall
Example
この字は細かいです。ko no ji wa koma ka i de su
The writing is small.
More examples
新聞の細かい字は、眼鏡がないと読みにくいです。shin bun no koma ka i ji wa megane ga na i to yo mi ni ku i de su
The small print in the newspaper is hard to read without glasses.
Core concept
Describes something marked by small size, fine distinctions, or close attention to minor details.
Common phrases
細かいことkoma ka i ko to
small things
細かい字koma ka i ji
small print
細かいところkoma ka i to ko ro
fine details
Similar words
小さいchiisai: Describes something with a small physical size.
ちっちゃいchitchai: Describes something as small using casual everyday speech.
Definition in Japanese
寸法や形が大きくなく、個々の部分が小さいさま。sun pō ya katachi ga ō ki ku na ku ko ko no bu bun ga chii sa i sa ma
Word origin
The modern adjective 細かい (komakai, "small") comes from 細か (komaka, "fine or minute") with い (i), an adjective-forming ending.
Usage tips
- In conversation, 細かい (komakai) can sound critical when it describes a person who focuses too much on minor details, but it is neutral when it describes the size of writing.
Other meanings
- detailedi-adjective
- fussyi-adjective
Opposites
- 大きいōkiibigi-adjective
Related words
- 細かさkomakasasmallnessnoun