detail; minute particulars
Primarily used in the idiomatic expression 微に入り細を穿つ (びにいりさいをうがつ), meaning 'to go into minute details' or 'to be extremely meticulous'. Rarely used as a standalone noun in modern Japanese; 詳細 (しょうさい) is the common word for 'details'.
See also: 微に入り細を穿つ
His explanation was extremely detailed, going into every minute particular.
「細」は単独ではあまり使われず、「微に入り細を穿つ」という成句で見られる。
The word 細 is rarely used alone; it is seen in the set phrase 微に入り細を穿つ.
cell (biology) · cell (organizational unit)
bacterium; bacteria; germ
delicate; fine; dainty · sensitive; subtle; delicate
trivial; insignificant; minor
clumsy; poorly made; botched · ugly; unattractive; plain-looking
craftsmanship; workmanship; handiwork · trick; artifice; tampering
details; particulars
details; particulars; specifics; breakdown · detailed; minute; specific · detailed statement; itemized statement
subdivision; breaking down into smaller parts
minute; fine; very small · detailed; subtle; fine-grained
meticulous; very careful; scrupulous; prudent
tiny; insignificant; paltry
detailed; meticulous; fine; minute
capillary; capillary vessel
details; particulars; specified items
detailed; minutely detailed; fine-grained
bylaws; detailed regulations
reasons; circumstances · details; particulars; significance · hindrance; objection; inconvenience
capillary tube · capillary (blood vessel)
small tube; pipette; tubule
small type; small handwriting; fine print
close inspection; scrutiny · detailed map; detailed guide · guide to the Yoshiwara red light district
(one's) wife · wife (of a peer or subordinate)
details; particulars
large and small matters; particulars; details
trifle; minor detail
spy; secret agent; ninja
subdivision; detailed classification
fibrillation
The kanji 細 means 'fine' or 'minute'. The reading さい is the on'yomi. The word is almost exclusively used in the classical idiom 微に入り細を穿つ, where 微 (び) and 細 (さい) both refer to small, detailed matters.