Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'be elaborate' in Japanese, focusing on describing things that are intricate, detailed, or carefully crafted. It includes words for physical objects, explanations, designs, and preparations.
Describing something that has many complex parts or fine details, like artwork, machinery, or patterns.
Means 'elaborate' in the sense of being intricately and skillfully made. Often used for craftsmanship, machinery, or detailed artwork.
This watch has elaborate craftsmanship.
Means 'complex' or 'intricate'. Can be used for elaborate systems, patterns, or designs that are complicated.
The pattern is very elaborate.
Literally 'hand-elaborate', implying something made with great care and detail. Often used for handmade items or cooking.
I prepared an elaborate meal.
Means 'elaborate' or 'fancy', often implying a lot of thought and effort went into the design. Common for fashion, interior design, or presentations.
She wore an elaborate dress.
Describing something that is carefully worked out with many details, like a plan, explanation, or preparation.
Means 'detailed' or 'elaborate' in the sense of providing full particulars. Suitable for reports, explanations, or plans.
He gave an elaborate explanation.
Means 'meticulous' or 'elaborate', emphasizing careful planning and thoroughness. Often used for plans, preparations, or investigations.
We made an elaborate plan.
Means 'careful' or 'elaborate', implying painstaking attention to detail. Common for preparations or checks.
Elaborate preparations are necessary.
Describing something that is elaborate in a decorative or ostentatious way, often with many ornamental details.
Means 'gorgeous' or 'showy', often used for elaborate decorations, events, or attire that are visually striking.
It was an elaborate wedding.
Means 'flashy' or 'gaudy', but can be used for elaborate and showy things, sometimes with a negative nuance of being overdone.
Can imply tackiness or excess, so use with care.
A more literary term meaning 'gorgeous and elaborate', often used for extremely ornate architecture or art.
To explain or describe something in more detail; to expand on a point.
精巧な emphasizes skillful intricacy and craftsmanship, while 複雑な simply means complex or complicated. Use 精巧な for things like watches or models, and 複雑な for systems or patterns that are hard to understand.
English 'elaborate' as a verb (to elaborate on something) does not have a single-word equivalent in Japanese. Use phrases like 詳しく説明する or 詳細に述べる instead.
A room with elaborate decorations.
We toured an elaborate palace.