Translation guide
Describes a delicate, intricate, or detailed design, texture, or arrangement. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with words for 'fine/delicate' plus 'pattern/design', or with specific terms for intricate patterns.
The most common meaning: a pattern with fine, detailed lines or elements, often in fabrics, artwork, or natural textures.
The most direct and natural way to say 'fine pattern'. 細かい means 'fine/small/detailed', 模様 means 'pattern/design'. Used for textiles, wallpapers, etc.
この布は細かい模様が入っています。
This cloth has a fine pattern.
Emphasizes delicacy and intricacy. 繊細 means 'delicate/fine'. Often used for elegant or artistic patterns.
着物には繊細な模様が描かれている。
The kimono has a delicate pattern drawn on it.
A more technical or literary term for 'fine pattern', often used in descriptions of textiles or ceramics. Less common in everyday speech.
この陶器は細紋が特徴です。
This pottery is characterized by its fine pattern.
Specifically refers to a pattern of very small checks or thin stripes, common in suits and shirts.
Literally 'tiny particle lattice', this is the standard term for a very fine check pattern, like pincheck or micro-check.
彼は微塵格子のスーツを着ている。
He is wearing a suit with a fine check pattern.
Loanword from English 'pinstripe'. Refers to very fine vertical stripes on fabric, common in business suits.
ピンストライプのシャツを買った。
I bought a pinstripe shirt.
Houndstooth pattern, which is a fine, broken check pattern. Not exactly 'fine pattern' but a specific type of intricate textile design.
Describes delicate natural patterns like frost on a window, veins on a leaf, or intricate markings on insects.
Same as above, but used for natural patterns. 繊細 conveys the fragility and beauty of the pattern.
窓に繊細な模様の霜が降りた。
A delicate pattern of frost formed on the window.
Also works for natural patterns, but slightly less poetic than 繊細な模様.
葉っぱに細かい模様が見える。
You can see a fine pattern on the leaf.
細かい (komakai) simply means 'fine/small/detailed' and is neutral. 繊細な (sensai na) adds a nuance of delicacy, elegance, or fragility. Use 繊細な for artistic or beautiful patterns, and 細かい for general descriptions.
細かい模様のカーテン
curtains with a fine pattern (neutral)
繊細な模様のレース
lace with a delicate pattern
Do not translate 'fine pattern' word-for-word as 良い模様 (ii moyou) or 上等な模様 (joutou na moyou). Those mean 'good pattern' or 'high-quality pattern', not 'fine/detailed pattern'.
千鳥格子のコートが流行っている。
Houndstooth coats are in fashion.