子細・仔細|しさいshisai[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
子細子細, written entirely in kanji, is the most common written form. Beginners should use it when writing about reasons, circumstances, details, or particulars.
仔細仔細, also written entirely in kanji, is a less common written variant of 子細. Recognize it as having the same meanings, but do not choose it as your default.
Definitions
- nounreasons; circumstances
- noun, na-adjectivedetails; particulars; significance; meaning
- nounhindrance; inconvenience; objectionwith neg. sentence
Conjugation
| Plain form | 子細（しさい） |
|---|---|
| Polite (desu) | 子細です（しさいです） |
| Negative (dewa nai) | 子細ではない（しさいではない） |
| polite (dewa arimasen) | 子細ではありません（しさいではありません） |
| Past (datta) | 子細だった（しさいだった） |
| Past negative (dewa nakatta) | 子細ではなかった（しさいではなかった） |
| Te form (de) | 子細で（しさいで） |
| Adverbial (ni) | 子細に（しさいに） |
| Conditional (nara) | 子細なら（しさいなら） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Related内幕うちまくNeutralEmphasizes inside circumstances hidden from outsiders, as in 「内幕を暴く」; it carries a secretive nuance that 子細, which simply covers details and reasons, does not.
- Antonym概要がいようNeutralA rough summary of the main points; it contrasts with 子細, which covers the fine details.
- Antonym大略たいりゃくWrittenA word of written/formal prose for the broad outline of a matter; it is the reverse of 子細's detailed circumstances.
Use 「子細」(also written 「仔細」) for the detailed circumstances or reasons behind something, often in 「子細に調べる」「子細ありげ」「子細ない」. For hidden inside information, use 「内幕」. The opposite is 「概要」, a rough summary of the main points.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
