瑣末・些末|さまつsamatsu[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
瑣末瑣末 is the more common kanji-only form and the recommended choice for beginners when writing the word for something trivial or trifling.
些末些末 is a less common kanji-only variant of 瑣末; learners may encounter it in writing, but should generally choose 瑣末 instead.
Definitions
- na-adjective, nountrivial; trifling
Conjugation
| Plain form | 瑣末（さまつ） |
|---|---|
| Polite (desu) | 瑣末です（さまつです） |
| Negative (dewa nai) | 瑣末ではない（さまつではない） |
| polite (dewa arimasen) | 瑣末ではありません（さまつではありません） |
| Past (datta) | 瑣末だった（さまつだった） |
| Past negative (dewa nakatta) | 瑣末ではなかった（さまつではなかった） |
| Te form (de) | 瑣末で（さまつで） |
| Adverbial (ni) | 瑣末に（さまつに） |
| Conditional (nara) | 瑣末なら（さまつなら） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym些細ささいNeutralNeutral word for slight things not worth mentioning; focuses on the matter itself being trivial. More common than 「瑣末」 and fine in everyday use.
- SynonymくだらないCasualColloquial; stresses that something is not worth bothering with — silly or worthless. A stronger dismissal than 「瑣末」.
- SynonymトリビアルWrittenWritten loanword meaning trivial and ordinary; stresses the unimportant or self-evident, and has an academic ring.
- RelatedつまらないCasualColloquial; stresses dullness or insignificance and carries more feeling than 「瑣末」 — boredom or disdain, not just 'minor'.
- Related細かいこまかいNeutralEveryday word covering fine, small details or fussing over trifles; much broader than 「瑣末」 and not limited to the unimportant.
- RelatedたわいないCasualColloquial for silly, childish things; stresses innocence or lack of guile, or trivial idle chat. Not a formal stand-in for 「瑣末」.
- Related卑小ひしょうWrittenWritten and rare; stresses being petty, small and shabby rather than merely minor. Suits formal descriptions of humble scale.
- Related末梢的まっしょうてきWrittenWritten word for peripheral, secondary matters that stray from the main topic; use for side issues, not general triviality.
- RelatedしがないCasualColloquial; stresses lowly, unremarkable status, as of a humble occupation or person. About being insignificant, not about details.
- Related眇たるびょうたるWrittenWritten and rare; stresses extreme smallness — tiny, minute. Attributive, modifying a noun, with a literary tone.
- Antonym重大じゅうだいNeutralNeutral antonym: serious and important. The direct opposite of insignificant 「瑣末」.
- Antonym肝要かんようWrittenWritten antonym: vital, essential — the crucial point itself, opposed to 「瑣末」 as minor detail.
For unimportant minor details in written or formal prose, use 「瑣末」, as in 「瑣末な問題」 or 「瑣末なことにこだわる」. In everyday speech 「些細」 is the usual choice; colloquially, 「くだらない」. The opposites are 「重大」 and 「肝要」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
