How to say "minute" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 分ふんnounOnly the unit of time — one sixtieth of an hour — used when telling or counting time in minutes; it does not translate the adjective 'minute'.
- 詳しいくわしいi-adjectiveCovers 'minute' meaning full of detail, as in a minute account or description. Its basic senses are 'detailed' and 'full', so it fits explanations and knowledge that are rich in detail.
- 微細びさいna-adjective, nounMatches 'minute' in the sense of extreme fineness or smallness — minute differences, fine points, subtle distinctions. The emphasis is on how fine or subtle something is.
- 綿密めんみつna-adjective, nounCovers 'minute' describing something done with great care — a minute examination, investigation or plan. The emphasis is on carefulness and scrupulousness, not on smallness of size.
- 精細せいさいna-adjective, nounMatches 'minute' through its senses 'fine' and 'meticulous', stressing finely detailed, meticulously done work. It overlaps with 微細 and 綿密, combining fineness with careful precision.
分 is only the unit of time; among the adjectives, 「詳しい」 covers 'minute' meaning full of detail, while 微細 stresses extreme fineness, 綿密 careful thoroughness, and 精細 fine, meticulous precision.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 分ふんminute (unit of time)
- 詳しいくわしいdetailed
- 微細びさいminute
- 綿密めんみつminute
- 精細せいさいfine
- 精緻せいちdelicate
- 精密せいみつprecise
- 克明こくめいdetailed
- 細いこまいsmall
- ミニッツminute (unit of time)
- 細緻さいちminute
- 細々しいこまごましいminute
- 詳密しょうみつminute
- 細微さいびminute
- 細小さいしょうminute
- 事細かことこまかdetailed
- 眇たるびょうたるsmall
- 事細やかことこまやかdetailed
- 事細かいことこまかいdetailed
- 精微せいびdetailed
- 細かいこまかいfine
- 詳細しょうさいdetailed
- 明細めいさいdetailed
- 緻密ちみつprecise
- 密みつminute
See also
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