細
細·thin, fine, detailed
- On-yomi
- サイ
- Kun-yomi
- ほそいこまかい
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 細い | ほそい | thin, narrow |
| 細かい | こまかい | fine, small, detailed |
| 詳細 | しょうさい | details |
| 細工 | さいく | handiwork, craftwork |
Example sentences
この道は細くて車が通れません。
このみちはほそくてくるまがとおれません。
This road is narrow, so cars can't get through.
細かいお金はありますか。
こまかいおかねはありますか。
Do you have any small change?
詳細はあとでメールでお送りします。
しょうさいはあとでめーるでおおくりします。
I'll send you the details by email later.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Using 細い for a slim person's build — 細い is fine for arms and legs, but やせている is used for the whole person
- Confusing 細い (narrow in width) with 小さい (small overall)
Memory aid
Picture it
A thread (糸) beside a rice field (田) divided into tiny squares — everything here is fine and narrow.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 明細めいさいdetails, itemized statement
- 細いほそいthin, slender
- 細かいこまかいfine, detailed, small
- 心細いこころぼそいlonely, helpless
- 細胞さいぼうcell (biology)
- 細やかこまやかattentive, thoughtful, fine
- 細工さいくhandiwork; craftsmanship; a piece of fine work; a trick; tampering
- 詳細しょうさいdetails; particulars; full details; detailed
- 細菌さいきんbacterium; bacillus; germ
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 3 of 5
What does the kanji 細 mean?