Meaning

Primary

Detailed

Alternatives

Fine, Small, Trivial

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is an adjective utilizing the second meaning of , detailed. So, this just means detailed or fine!

You can remember that this one is "detailed" or "fine" because the かい makes you think of coyotes. Your hobby is making extremely detailed and fine model railroads out of nothing but raw meat. This, however, means that coyotes regularly come in and destroy all of your fine handiwork.

Reading

こまかい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word has a different reading from the ones you've learned so far, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

After the coyote wrecks your model railroad, he bites you on the head, sending you into an indefinite coma (こま).

Context

Context Sentences

じゃあ、このキャベツを細かくきざんでください。

Then, finely chop this cabbage please.

細かいお金しかありません。

I only have small change.

木を見て森を見ず、だぜ。細かいことにばかり気をとられずに、もっと大きいスケールで物を考えてくれよ。

You can’t see the wood for the trees. Don’t just focus on the details, look at the bigger picture.

Kanji Composition