Inklingo

How to Say "delicacy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

delicia

/deh-LEE-syah//deˈlisja/

nounA2general
Use 'delicia' when referring to a food that is particularly fine, exquisite, or expensive, often implying a treat or indulgence.
A child smiling with pure joy while eating a large, colorful ice cream sundae.

Examples

Este pastel es una delicia.

This cake is a delight.

Fue una delicia escucharte tocar el piano.

It was a pleasure to hear you play the piano.

Viajar por Italia es una delicia para los sentidos.

Traveling through Italy is a delight for the senses.

It's a Noun, Not an Adjective

Remember that 'delicia' is a naming word (noun). If you want to describe something, use 'delicioso' (tasty/delicious). You can't say 'comida delicia,' say 'esta comida es una delicia' (this food is a delight).

Always Feminine

This word always uses feminine markers like 'la' or 'una', regardless of whether you are talking about a man's performance or a neutral event.

Confusing 'Delicia' with 'Delicioso'

Mistake: “La cena fue delicia.”

Correction: La cena fue una delicia (The dinner was a delight) or La cena estuvo deliciosa (The dinner was delicious). Use the noun version with 'una'.

delicadeza

/deh-lee-kah-deh-sah//delikaˈðeθa/

nounB1general
Use 'delicadeza' to describe the quality of being gentle, careful, tactful, or fragile, often in how something is done or handled.
A person with a kind expression gently offering a single flower to a friend in a polite gesture.

Examples

Le dio la noticia con mucha delicadeza.

He gave her the news with great tact.

Tienes que tocar el cristal con delicadeza.

You have to touch the glass with gentleness.

La delicadeza de este encaje es impresionante.

The fineness of this lace is impressive.

Using 'Con' to Describe How

To turn this word into a description of how someone does something, just put 'con' (with) before it. 'Con delicadeza' works just like the English word 'gently'.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. You must always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if you are talking about a man's behavior.

The 'Delicia' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'delicadeza' to mean 'delicious'.”

Correction: Use 'delicia' for a delight or 'delicioso' for tasty food. 'Delicadeza' is only for tact or fragility.

Food vs. Tact

The most common mistake is using 'delicadeza' for food or 'delicia' for a quality of gentleness. Remember: 'delicia' is for tasty treats, while 'delicadeza' refers to carefulness or tenderness.

Related Translations

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