Small in size; minute or fine in physical dimensions.
この砂は粒が細かいので、触るとふわっとする。
These grains of sand are very fine, so they feel soft when you touch them.
細かい部品をなくさないように注意して作業してください。
Please work carefully so you don't lose the small parts.
毛糸の編み目が細かいセーターは暖かい。
A sweater with fine knitting stitches is warm.
Fine; minute — referring to very small details or precision.
彼女は細かい字でも読み間違えない。
She doesn't misread even very small handwriting.
設計図には細かい寸法まで書いてある。
The blueprint includes precise measurements down to the smallest details.
細かいニュアンスの違いを理解するのは難しい。
It's difficult to understand subtle differences in nuance.
Minor; trivial — referring to small matters that are not important.
そんな細かいことにこだわる必要はないよ。
There's no need to worry about such trivial things.
会議では細かいことより全体の方針を話そう。
In the meeting, let's discuss the overall policy rather than minor details.
細かいことを気にする性格は疲れやすいことがある。
People who worry about trivial matters can get tired easily.
Sensitive; attentive — having a fine sensitivity or being very detail-oriented in feeling or care.
彼女は神経が細かく、ちょっとした変化にも気づく。
She is very sensitive and notices even small changes.
細かい気配りができる人は職場で頼りにされる。
People who can pay close attention to details are relied on at work.
演奏家は音の違いに対して細かい耳を持っている。
Musicians have a fine ear for differences in sound.
Careful; meticulous — or frugal/stingy depending on context, especially about money.
経理の仕事は細かい作業が多く、ミスが許されない。
Accounting work involves many detailed tasks and mistakes are not allowed.
あの人は細かいところまで節約するタイプだ。
That person is the type who saves money down to the smallest detail.
細かい検査のおかげで不良品を見つけられた。
Thanks to the careful inspection we were able to find defective items.