How to Say "detailed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “detailed” is “detallado” — use this word when referring to information, reports, or descriptions that contain many small parts or specific pieces of information.
detallado
deh-tah-yah-dohdetaˈʝaðo
Examples
Necesito un informe detallado sobre las ventas.
I need a detailed report on sales.
Ella hizo un dibujo muy detallado de la catedral.
She made a very detailed drawing of the cathedral.
El plan es tan detallado que no hay margen de error.
The plan is so thorough that there is no room for error.
Gender and Number Agreement
Remember that this word must match the person or thing it describes. If you are describing a feminine word like 'explicación,' change it to 'detallada.' For plurals, use 'detallados' or 'detalladas.'
Position After the Noun
In Spanish, describing words usually come after the thing they describe. So, you would say 'un mapa detallado' (a map detailed) rather than 'un detallado mapa.'
Confusing 'Detalle' with 'Detallado'
Mistake: “Este libro tiene mucho detallado.”
Correction: Este libro tiene muchos detalles o es muy detallado. Use 'detalle' for the noun (a detail) and 'detallado' for the description (detailed).
minucioso
mee-noo-SYOH-sohminuˈθjoso
Examples
El detective hizo un examen minucioso de la escena.
The detective did a thorough examination of the scene.
Ella es muy minuciosa con la limpieza de su casa.
She is very meticulous with the cleaning of her house.
Publicaron un informe minucioso sobre el cambio climático.
They published a detailed report on climate change.
Matching the Word Ending
This word must change to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'minucioso' for masculine items, 'minuciosa' for feminine, and add an 's' for plurals.
Word Order
In most cases, place 'minucioso' after the noun it describes (e.g., 'un plan minucioso') to sound most natural.
Confusing with 'Minute'
Mistake: “Using 'minucioso' to mean 'a small amount of time'.”
Correction: Use 'minuto' for time. 'Minucioso' is about the quality of being detailed, not the duration of 60 seconds.
extenso
eks-TEN-soeksˈtenso
Examples
El profesor nos dio una lista extensa de libros.
The teacher gave us an extensive list of books.
Su discurso fue demasiado extenso y la gente se aburrió.
His speech was too long and people got bored.
Escribió un artículo extenso sobre la historia del arte.
He wrote a detailed article about art history.
Describing time vs. space
Even though 'extenso' feels like it's about space, it's the standard way to say a document or a speech is very long.
Don't forget the 's'
Mistake: “Saying 'ex-ten-to'.”
Correction: Make sure to pronounce the 's' clearly: 'ex-ten-so'.
analítico
Examples
Juan es un estudiante muy analítico.
Juan is a very analytical student.
elaborado
eh-lah-boh-RAH-dohelaβoˈɾaðo
Examples
El arquitecto presentó un plano muy elaborado para el nuevo edificio.
The architect presented a very elaborate plan for the new building.
Sus teorías son demasiado elaboradas para una explicación rápida.
His theories are too sophisticated for a quick explanation.
Ella dio una respuesta elaborada y llena de detalles.
She gave a detailed and thorough answer.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this word is a description (adjective), it must match the thing it describes. Use 'elaborado' for masculine, 'elaborada' for feminine, and add an 's' for plurals.
Describing Results
Use this word when you want to highlight that something took a lot of work or effort to create. It focuses on the result of the labor.
Describing People vs. Things
Mistake: “Ese hombre es muy elaborado.”
Correction: Ese hombre es muy trabajador/detallista. Use 'elaborado' for the work produced, not for the person who did it.
trabajado
trah-bah-HAH-dohtɾaβaˈxaðo
Examples
El diseño de la joya era muy trabajado y complejo.
The design of the jewelry was very elaborate and complex.
Presentaron un informe muy trabajado sobre la economía.
They presented a very detailed report on the economy.
La trama de la novela está muy trabajada.
The plot of the novel is very well-crafted (or detailed).
Adjective Agreement
When used as an adjective, 'trabajado' must match the noun it describes. Use 'trabajada' for feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'una estrategia trabajada').
Meaning with 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
It usually pairs with 'ser' (to be permanent) to describe the inherent quality of being elaborate or complex: 'La escultura es trabajada.' (The sculpture is elaborate).
curioso
koo-ree-OH-sokuˈɾjo.so
Examples
El carpintero hizo un trabajo muy curioso con la madera.
The carpenter did a very meticulous job with the wood.
Su caligrafía es curiosa y elegante.
His handwriting is neat and elegant.
Formal Contexts
This meaning is usually found in descriptions of professional or artistic work where attention to detail is highlighted.
Detallado vs. Minucioso
Related Translations
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