How to Say "sensitive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sensitive” is “sensible” — use 'sensible' when referring to someone or something that is easily affected emotionally or physically, like reacting strongly to stimuli or emotions..
sensible
/sen-SEE-bleh//senˈsible/
Examples
Mi hijo es muy sensible y llora con facilidad viendo películas tristes.
My son is very sensitive and cries easily watching sad movies.
Tiene la piel sensible, así que debe usar jabones especiales.
She has sensitive skin, so she must use special soaps.
Ella es una persona sensible que siempre se preocupa por los demás.
She is a caring person who always worries about others.
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'.
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'.
delicado
deh-lee-KAH-doh/deliˈkaðo/
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.
Mi tío está delicado de salud desde la operación.
My uncle has been in poor health since the operation.
Tuvimos que manejar el tema con mucho tacto porque era una cuestión delicada.
We had to handle the topic with great care because it was a sensitive issue.
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).
Describing Health
When talking about someone's health, use the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) with 'delicado' to mean they are currently ill or frail: 'Ella está delicada'.
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: “El cristal es muy delicada.”
Correction: El cristal es muy delicado. ('Cristal' is masculine, so the adjective must end in -o.)
Using 'Ser' for Temporary Health
Mistake: “Mi abuelo es delicado de salud.”
Correction: Mi abuelo está delicado de salud. ('Ser' implies a permanent trait; 'estar' implies a current state.)
sentido
/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/
Examples
Fue un discurso muy sentido y emocionante.
It was a very heartfelt and emotional speech.
Ella está muy sentida contigo porque no la llamaste.
She is very offended with you because you didn't call her.
Mis más sentidas condolencias.
My most heartfelt condolences.
A Word That Describes
'Sentido' is the past participle of the verb 'sentir' (to feel). This means it can be used like an adjective to describe a noun. Because it's an adjective, it must change to match the noun it describes: 'un discurso sentido' (a heartfelt speech) but 'una carta sentida' (a heartfelt letter).
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: “Mi amiga está muy sentido.”
Correction: Mi amiga está muy sentida. Because 'amiga' is feminine, the adjective 'sentida' must also be feminine.
Confusing 'sensible' and 'delicado'
Related Translations
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