Tener un detalle

to do something thoughtful; **to do something thoughtful**; **to make a thoughtful gesture**; **to do something nice for someone**; **to be thoughtful**; **to show consideration**; **to give someone a little gift**; **to go out of one's way for someone**

Tener un detalle means to do something thoughtful or considerate for someone, usually a small gesture intended to show appreciation, affection, gratitude or good manners.

It does not necessarily involve giving a present. A small action can be un detalle if it shows that someone has thought about another person.

A common construction is:

Tener un detalle con alguien.

→ To do something thoughtful for someone.

• gives another person a small present
• remembers someone's birthday
• brings someone something unexpectedly
• offers help or consideration
• makes a kind gesture
• does something to show gratitude or affection

The expression comes from the ordinary Spanish meaning of detalle: a small element or particularity.

From this concrete meaning developed the idea of a small action or gesture that reveals someone's feelings or consideration.

Thus, a detalle is not necessarily valuable in itself. Its importance lies in the thought or intention behind it.

One of the most characteristic uses is:

¡Qué detalle!

This is an expression of appreciation for a thoughtful gesture.

It does not normally mean:

"What a detail!"

A natural English translation would be:

That's so thoughtful!

or:

What a nice gesture!

Another very common construction is:

Tener el detalle de + infinitivo

For example:

Tuvo el detalle de llamarme para felicitarme.

→ He was thoughtful enough to call and congratulate me.

Spanish distinguishes nicely between el detalle and ser detallista.

Tener un detalle

means to make a particular thoughtful gesture.

Ser detallista

means to be the kind of person who habitually pays attention to other people's needs and likes to make thoughtful gestures.

For example:

No suele hacer regalos, pero ayer tuvo un detalle conmigo.

→ He doesn't usually give presents, but yesterday he did something really thoughtful for me.

Whereas:

Es muy detallista.

→ He's very thoughtful / He's the kind of person who makes thoughtful gestures.

English speakers should be careful with the apparently similar word detail.

In:

Qué detalle has tenido.

the Spanish detalle does not mean an item of information or a small factual element.

It means a kind or thoughtful gesture.

For example:

Gracias por el detalle.

normally means:

Thanks, that was very thoughtful of you.

not:

Thanks for the detail.