詳しい

• Reading: くわしい
• Romaji: kuwashii
• Kanji breakdown: 詳 (shou/kuwa) — detailed, full, minute
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.wa.ɕiː/

Meaning

Detailed; thorough; well-informed. Describes information that is comprehensive or a person who is knowledgeable.

An i-adjective with two main uses: describing detailed information (詳しい説明, a detailed explanation) and describing a knowledgeable person (パソコンに詳しい, knowledgeable about computers). The particle に marks the subject of expertise. Conjugates regularly: 詳しくない, 詳しかった. The adverb form 詳しく means 'in detail.'

Examples

1. もう少し詳しく教えてもらえますか。 Could you explain that in a little more detail?
2. 彼は日本の歴史にとても詳しい。 He is very knowledgeable about Japanese history.
3. 詳しい情報はウェブサイトで確認してください。 Please check the website for more detailed information.

Usage Guide

Context: requests, descriptions, expertise

Tone: informative

Origin & History

The kanji 詳 combines 言 (word/speech) and 羊 (sheep, symbolising goodness/beauty). The idea is speech that is fine and well-ordered — thorough and beautiful in its completeness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal