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.
この時計は精巧な細工が施されている。
This watch has elaborate craftsmanship.
Means 'complex' or 'intricate'. Can be used for elaborate systems, patterns, or designs that are complicated.
その模様はとても複雑だ。
The pattern is very elaborate.
Literally 'hand-elaborate', implying something made with great care and detail. Often used for handmade items or cooking.
手の込んだ料理を用意した。
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.
彼女は凝ったドレスを着ていた。
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.
彼は詳細な説明をしてくれた。
He gave an elaborate explanation.
Means 'meticulous' or 'elaborate', emphasizing careful planning and thoroughness. Often used for plans, preparations, or investigations.
綿密な計画を立てた。
We made an elaborate plan.
Means 'careful' or 'elaborate', implying painstaking attention to detail. Common for preparations or checks.
入念な準備が必要だ。
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.
華やかな結婚式だった。
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.
派手な装飾が施された部屋。
A room with elaborate decorations.
A more literary term meaning 'gorgeous and elaborate', often used for extremely ornate architecture or art.
絢爛豪華な宮殿を見学した。
We toured an elaborate palace.
To explain or describe something in more detail; to expand on a point.
The most direct way to say 'elaborate on' something. Means 'to explain in detail'.
その点について詳しく説明してください。
Please elaborate on that point.
A formal, written term meaning 'to expound' or 'elaborate on'. Rare in everyday speech.
彼はその理論を敷衍して説明した。
He elaborated on the theory.
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.