Inklingo

How to Say "frail" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “frail” is “débil” — use 'débil' when referring to a general lack of physical strength or robustness, often due to illness, age, or lack of use.

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débil

adjectiveA2general
Use 'débil' when referring to a general lack of physical strength or robustness, often due to illness, age, or lack of use.

Examples

Después de la enfermedad, se sentía muy débil.

After the illness, he felt very weak.

frágil

adjectiveB1general
Use 'frágil' specifically when talking about health or the body being delicate and easily harmed, often due to a specific condition, age, or recovery process.

Examples

Su salud es frágil después de la operación y necesita reposo.

His health is frail after the operation and he needs rest.

enfermizo

en-fer-MEE-soheɱfeɾˈmiθo

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'enfermizo' to describe someone who is often sick or has a delicate constitution, implying a tendency to catch illnesses.
A pale, tired-looking child sitting on a sofa wrapped in a thick blanket, drinking tea.

Examples

De niño era un poco enfermizo y siempre tenía gripe.

As a child, he was a bit sickly and always had the flu.

Tiene un color de piel enfermizo por la falta de sol.

He has an unhealthy-looking skin tone due to the lack of sun.

Su constitución enfermiza le impedía hacer deportes pesados.

His frail constitution prevented him from doing heavy sports.

Adjective Agreement

Remember to change the ending to 'enfermiza' when describing a woman or a feminine object (like 'apariencia').

Sick vs. Sickly

This word describes a personality trait or a long-term state, not just being sick for a day.

Don't confuse with 'enfermo'

Mistake: “Estoy enfermizo hoy.”

Correction: Estoy enfermo hoy. (Use 'enfermo' for a temporary illness and 'enfermizo' for a general tendency to get sick).

débiles

adjectiveA2general
Use the plural form 'débiles' when referring to multiple things or people that lack strength or are easily broken.

Examples

Las paredes de esa casa son muy débiles y necesitan reparación.

The walls of that house are very weak and need repair.

Débil vs. Frágil for Health

Learners often confuse 'débil' and 'frágil' when describing health. 'Débil' implies general lack of strength, while 'frágil' specifically points to delicate health that is easily compromised, especially after an event like surgery or due to advanced age.

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