Explore 細 in words for thin things, fine details and cells. Learn each reading with its complete word.
The idea
細 has 11 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 細い is ほそい, 細かい is こまかい, and 細胞 is さいぼう. The reading depends on the word.
| Word | Reading | Example in context |
|---|---|---|
| 細い | ほそい | The road is narrow. |
| 細かい | こまかい | Small print is hard to read. |
| 細胞 | さいぼう | I look at cells through a microscope. |
Examples
- 道が細いです。The road is narrow.
- 彼女は細い糸を使います。She uses thin thread.
- 紙を細く切ります。I cut the paper into thin strips.
- 細かい字が読みにくいです。Small print is hard to read.
- 詳しい内容を細かく説明します。I explain the details thoroughly.
- 顕微鏡で細胞を見ます。I look at cells through a microscope.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
細い describes a narrow or slender shape; 細かい can mean small or detailed. Do not assume that both adjectives are read ほそい.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 細い in hiragana.
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ほそい
細い is ほそい: it describes the narrow road in the first example.
Write the reading of 細かい in hiragana.
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こまかい
細かい is こまかい: it describes the small print in the fourth example.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿胞（さいぼう）［細／組］.
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細
細 completes 細胞, read さいぼう, meaning a cell.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 細い in hiragana.
Write the reading of 細かい in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿胞（さいぼう）［細／組］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 細 using the stroke diagram. Cover the table, read the three words and make a sentence with one.