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sensible

/sen-SEE-bleh/

sensitive

A small, cartoonish character sitting with a single tear rolling down their cheek, holding a wilting flower, illustrating emotional sensitivity.

Being easily affected emotionally or physically (sensitive) is one meaning of sensible.

sensible(Adjective)

m/fA2

sensitive

?

easily affected emotionally or physically

Also:

tender

?

showing gentleness or emotion

,

emotional

?

easily moved to tears or strong feeling

📝 In Action

Mi hijo es muy sensible y llora con facilidad viendo películas tristes.

A2

My son is very sensitive and cries easily watching sad movies.

Tiene la piel sensible, así que debe usar jabones especiales.

B1

She has sensitive skin, so she must use special soaps.

Ella es una persona sensible que siempre se preocupa por los demás.

B1

She is a caring person who always worries about others.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • duro (hard/tough)
  • indiferente (indifferent)

Common Collocations

  • ser sensible a – to be sensitive to
  • punto sensible – sore/sensitive point

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Form

Since 'sensible' ends in -e, it is the same for masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'el niño sensible' and 'la niña sensible'). You only change the ending to make it plural: 'sensibles'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

The False Friend Trap

Mistake: "Using 'sensible' to mean 'reasonable' or 'prudent' (like the English word)."

Correction: To say someone is 'sensible' (meaning smart/reasonable) use 'razonable' or 'prudente.' Remember: Spanish 'sensible' = English 'sensitive'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Emotional vs. Physical

You can use 'sensible' for both feelings ('sensitive heart') and physical reactions ('sensitive skin').

A field of uniform green grass with one distinct, large patch of bright purple flowers that stands out clearly, representing a noticeable difference.

Sensible can also describe something that is noticeable or perceptible.

sensible(Adjective)

m/fB2

noticeable

?

a perceptible change or difference

Also:

significant

?

having a clear, measurable effect

,

perceptible

?

able to be sensed or observed

📝 In Action

La empresa experimentó un aumento sensible en sus ventas después de la campaña.

B2

The company experienced a noticeable increase in its sales after the campaign.

Hubo una mejora sensible en la calidad del sonido.

C1

There was a significant improvement in sound quality.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apreciable (appreciable)
  • notorio (clear/evident)

Antonyms

  • insignificante (insignificant)
  • imperceptible (imperceptible)

Common Collocations

  • cambio sensible – noticeable change
  • diferencia sensible – significant difference

💡 Grammar Points

Describing Data

This meaning is often used when discussing statistics, data, or technical results, emphasizing that the change is large enough to matter or be easily perceived.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sensible

Question 1 of 2

Which English word is the correct translation for the Spanish adjective 'sensible'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sensibilidad(sensitivity) - noun
sentir(to feel) - verb
sentimiento(feeling/emotion) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'He is a sensible person' (meaning reasonable/smart) in Spanish?

You must use a different word to avoid confusion! Say 'Él es una persona razonable' or 'Él es prudente.' Using 'sensible' here would mean he is 'sensitive.'

Does 'sensible' change its ending for masculine and feminine nouns?

No. 'Sensible' is an adjective that stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns because it ends in -e. It only changes when you make it plural: 'sensibles'.