详细

• Pinyin: xiáng xì
• Hanzi breakdown: 详 = 讠 (speech) + 羊 (sheep), meaning to explain in detail; 细 = 糸 (silk) + 田 (field), meaning fine

Meaning

Detailed; in detail; thorough. Describes information or descriptions that are comprehensive and specific.

Used to request or describe thorough explanations, reports, or information. Often appears as an adverb (详细地) or adjective (详细的). Common collocations include 详细说明 (detailed explanation), 详细介绍 (detailed introduction), and 详细资料 (detailed information).

Examples

1. 请详细介绍一下这个项目的背景。 Please provide a detailed introduction to the background of this project.
2. 合同里有详细的条款和规定。 The contract contains detailed terms and regulations.
3. 他详细地描述了事情的经过。 He described the course of events in detail.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, academic

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 你能详细说说吗？(Can you explain in more detail?)
• 我需要一份详细的报告。(I need a detailed report.)

Don't Say

• 很详细地 (The 地 is often redundant in casual speech — just use 详细说 or 仔细说)

Origin & History

Compound of 详 (detailed, to explain) and 细 (fine, minute), both emphasizing thoroughness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal