Translation guide
The English word "elaborate" can be an adjective meaning detailed or intricate, or a verb meaning to explain in more detail. This guide covers both uses and their natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something that is carefully made, detailed, or has many parts.
Commonly used for intricate craftsmanship, machinery, or detailed work.
To give more information or details about something you have said.
The most direct and common way to say 'elaborate on'.
In English, you might say 'He is very elaborate,' but in Japanese, describing a person as 精巧な or 手の込んだ would be unnatural. Instead, describe their work or actions.
精巧な emphasizes precision and intricacy, often for mechanical or artistic objects. 手の込んだ emphasizes the effort and care put into making something, and is more common for food, plans, or schemes.
This watch has elaborate craftsmanship.
Often used for something that clearly took a lot of effort and detail, like a dish or a plan.
She made an elaborate dish.
Means 'complex' or 'complicated'. Can be used for elaborate systems or procedures, but focuses more on complexity than craftsmanship.
The plan requires an elaborate procedure.
Means 'careful' or 'thorough'. Used for elaborate preparations or attention to detail.
We succeeded thanks to elaborate preparations.
Often used for something stylishly elaborate, like a fancy design or a costume. Slightly casual.
He was wearing an elaborate costume.
Could you elaborate on that point?
More formal, often used in writing or speeches.
He elaborated on his opinion.
Means 'to say concretely'. Used when asking someone to give specific details.
Please elaborate a little more.
A formal, literary term meaning to expound or elaborate on an idea. Rare in everyday conversation.
He elaborated on the theory.