also: ほそじ
noun
small type; small handwriting; fine print
Refers to small characters in print or handwriting; often used in contexts like contracts or detailed documents.
契約書の細字をよく読んでください。
Please read the fine print of the contract carefully.
彼は細字でノートを取るのが得意だ。
He is good at taking notes in small handwriting.
小字 usually refers to a small administrative division or a small character in a different context, while 細字 specifically means small type or handwriting.
Compound of 細 (small, fine) and 字 (character, letter). The reading さいじ uses the on'yomi of both kanji, while ほそじ uses the kun'yomi of 細 and the on'yomi of 字.