细致

• Pinyin: xì zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 细 = 糸 (silk) + 田 (field) — fine; 致 = 至 (arrive) + 攵 (action) — to cause or bring about

Meaning

Meticulous; thorough; careful and detailed. Describes work or behaviour that is carried out with great attention and precision.

Often used to praise someone's work, craftsmanship, or approach to tasks. Implies both careful attention and delicate execution. Unlike 仔细 (which focuses on being careful/attentive), 细致 emphasises the quality of the finished result — fine, detailed, and thorough.

Examples

1. 她的绣花作品非常细致，令人赞叹。 Her embroidery work is extremely meticulous and admirable.
2. 这位老师讲课细致耐心，学生都很喜欢。 This teacher explains lessons thoroughly and patiently, and the students all love her.
3. 经过细致的检查，工程师发现了问题所在。 After a careful inspection, the engineer identified where the problem was.

Usage Guide

Context: work, craftsmanship, education

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 她的工作态度非常细致，每个步骤都做得很认真。(Her work attitude is very meticulous — every step is done with great care.)
• 这项手工艺品做工细致，值得收藏。(This handicraft is finely made and worth collecting.)

Don't Say

• 用细致形容粗糙或草率的工作。(Don't use 细致 to describe rough or careless work — 细致 specifically praises thoroughness and fine quality.)

Origin & History

Compound of 细 (fine/detailed) and 致 (reach/bring about), together suggesting 'bringing about fine quality through attention.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal