How to Say "sensitive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sensitive” is “sensible” — use 'sensible' when describing someone who is easily affected emotionally or physically, reacting strongly to stimuli or situations.
sensible
sen-SEE-blehsenˈsible
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-dohdeliˈkaðo
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.)
susceptible
soos-sep-TEE-blehsus.sepˈti.ble
Examples
Ten cuidado con lo que dices; hoy ella está muy susceptible.
Be careful with what you say; she is very sensitive today.
Él es muy susceptible a las críticas de su jefe.
He is very sensitive to his boss's criticism.
No seas tan susceptible, solo era una broma.
Don't be so touchy, it was just a joke.
Always the Same Ending
This word ends in 'e', so it doesn't change for boys or girls. You can say 'él es susceptible' or 'ella es susceptible'.
Using 'a' for Reactions
When you want to say what someone is sensitive to, use the word 'a' right after, like 'susceptible a los ruidos' (sensitive to noises).
Susceptible vs. Sensible
Mistake: “Using 'sensible' to mean someone gets offended easily.”
Correction: Use 'susceptible' for hurt feelings. In Spanish, 'sensible' usually means someone who is kind, artistic, or feels things deeply without necessarily being offended.
sentido
sen-TEE-dohsenˈti.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.
Sensible vs. Susceptible
Related Translations
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