Inklingo
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delicado

deh-lee-KAH-dohdeliˈkaðo

delicate, fragile

Also: tender, sensitive
A clear glass swan figurine resting gently on a soft, red velvet cushion, emphasizing its fragility.

📝 In Action

Esta porcelana es muy delicada, lávala a mano.

A2

This porcelain is very delicate, wash it by hand.

Las flores tropicales son delicadas y necesitan mucho sol.

B1

Tropical flowers are delicate and need a lot of sun.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • cristal delicado – delicate glass
  • piel delicada – delicate skin

tricky, sensitive

Also: poor, awkward
A small figure cautiously walking on a very narrow, winding ice path suspended high above a dark chasm, representing a tricky or sensitive situation.

📝 In Action

Mi tío está delicado de salud desde la operación.

B1

My uncle has been in poor health since the operation.

Tuvimos que manejar el tema con mucho tacto porque era una cuestión delicada.

B2

We had to handle the topic with great care because it was a sensitive issue.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • situación delicada – sensitive situation
  • estar delicado de salud – to be in delicate/poor health

subtle, refined

Also: exquisite, dainty
A close-up of a single white jasmine flower from which a very faint, light vapor gently rises, representing a subtle scent.

📝 In Action

El vestido de novia tenía un encaje muy delicado.

B2

The wedding dress had very delicate lace.

El chef creó una salsa de sabor delicado que complementó el pescado.

C1

The chef created a subtle-flavored sauce that complemented the fish.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • tosco (crude/rough)
  • fuerte (strong (flavor))

Common Collocations

  • sabor delicado – subtle flavor
  • detalles delicados – exquisite details

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: delicado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'delicado' in the context of health?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
delicadeza(delicacy, finesse) — Noun
delicadamente(delicately, subtly) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *delicatus*, meaning 'pleasing, delightful, tender,' which itself is related to the verb *delicere* ('to entice'). The core idea has always been related to softness and sensitivity.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: delicatoFrench: délicat

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'delicado' and 'sensible'?

'Delicado' usually focuses on physical or situational fragility (easily broken, needs careful handling). 'Sensible' usually focuses on emotional or sensory sensitivity (easily hurt feelings, reacting strongly to light or noise). Both can sometimes translate to 'sensitive' in English, but 'delicado' is more about fragility.

Can I use 'delicado' to describe a person's character?

Yes, but be careful. Saying someone *es delicado* usually means they are easily offended or very sensitive (emotionally). However, saying someone *tiene modales delicados* means they have refined or gentle manners.