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delicadeza

deh-lee-kah-deh-sah/delikaˈðeθa/

“delicadeza” means “tact” in Spanish (social sensitivity and politeness).

tact

Also: gentleness, delicacy
NounfB1
General
A person with a kind expression gently offering a single flower to a friend in a polite gesture.

📝 In Action

Le dio la noticia con mucha delicadeza.

B1

He gave her the news with great tact.

Tienes que tocar el cristal con delicadeza.

A2

You have to touch the glass with gentleness.

La delicadeza de este encaje es impresionante.

B2

The fineness of this lace is impressive.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • brusquedad (abruptness/roughness)
  • grosería (rudeness)

Common Collocations

  • con delicadeza – gently / with tact
  • falta de delicadeza – lack of tact / rudeness
  • tratar con delicadeza – to handle with care

Idioms & Expressions

  • tener delicadeza – to be a considerate or sensitive person

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "delicadeza" in Spanish:

delicacy→gentleness→tact→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: delicadeza

Question 1 of 3

If someone tells you a secret 'con delicadeza', how did they tell you?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
delicado(delicate) — Adjective
delicadamente(delicately) — Adverb
adelgazar(to thin down) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'delicatus', which originally meant 'alluring' or 'delightful'. It shares a root with the word for 'delight' (delicia).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: delicacyFrench: délicatesseItalian: delicatezza

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'delicadeza' mean 'delicious'?

No. While they sound similar, 'delicadeza' means tact or fragility. To say something is delicious, use 'delicioso'.

Is 'delicadeza' a positive or negative word?

It is almost always positive. It implies being thoughtful, careful, or refined. However, in medicine, it might imply that someone's health is 'delicada' (fragile), which is a serious situation.

How do I say 'handle with care' using this word?

You can say 'tratar con delicadeza' or 'manejar con delicadeza'.