细节 (xì jié) means 'detail' — a small, specific element or feature that contributes to the whole. The character 细 (xì) means 'fine', 'thin', or 'minute', suggesting something small in scale or requiring close attention. The character 节 (jié) originally meant 'joint' or 'node', and here it conveys a distinct, self-contained part of a larger structure. Together, 细节 emphasizes precision, careful observation, and the importance of individual components in understanding or executing something accurately.

This word is commonly used in contexts like writing, design, problem-solving, teaching, and daily tasks — for example, noticing details in a painting, checking details before submitting a report, or explaining procedural details to a beginner. It often appears in phrases like 注意细节 (pay attention to details) or 忽略细节 (overlook details). While it can refer to factual particulars, it rarely carries emotional weight on its own — it’s neutral and descriptive, not evaluative.