Inklingo

How to Say "fragile" in Spanish

English → Spanish

frágil

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'frágil' when referring to something that is physically prone to breaking or shattering, emphasizing its breakability.

Examples

Por favor, ten cuidado con esa caja; el contenido es frágil.

Please be careful with that box; the contents are fragile.

delicado

deh-lee-KAH-doh/deliˈkaðo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'delicado' when something is physically weak, easily damaged, or requires careful handling due to its fine or sensitive nature, not just its tendency to break.
A clear glass swan figurine resting gently on a soft, red velvet cushion, emphasizing its fragility.

Examples

Esta porcelana es muy delicada, lávala a mano.

This porcelain is very delicate, wash it by hand.

Las flores tropicales son delicadas y necesitan mucho sol.

Tropical flowers are delicate and need a lot of sun.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'delicado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'delicada' for feminine nouns (la flor), 'delicados' for masculine plural nouns (los jarrones), and 'delicadas' for feminine plural nouns (las copas).

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “El cristal es muy delicada.”

Correction: El cristal es muy delicado. ('Cristal' is masculine, so the adjective must end in -o.)

Choosing Between 'Frágil' and 'Delicado'

Learners often confuse 'frágil' and 'delicado'. Remember that 'frágil' specifically means easily broken, like glass. 'Delicado' is broader, covering fragility but also implying sensitivity or requiring gentle treatment, like fine fabrics or a delicate situation.

Related Translations

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