How to Say "sensitivity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sensitivity” is “sensibilidad” — use 'sensibilidad' when talking about emotional depth, artistic appreciation, or a physical reaction to stimuli..
sensibilidad
/sen-see-bee-lee-dahd//sensibiliˈðad/
Examples
Ella tiene una gran sensibilidad artística.
She has a great artistic sensitivity.
Es un tema que requiere mucha sensibilidad.
It is a topic that requires a lot of sensitivity.
Su sensibilidad ante el dolor ajeno es admirable.
Their sensitivity toward others' pain is admirable.
Tengo mucha sensibilidad en los dientes.
I have a lot of sensitivity in my teeth.
Always Feminine
Words that end in '-dad' are always feminine in Spanish. You will always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
Using 'a' or 'ante'
When talking about what someone is sensitive to, use the words 'a' or 'ante' (meaning toward/in the face of).
Expressing Lack of Feeling
In Spanish, we say 'perder la sensibilidad' to describe a limb falling asleep or nerve damage.
The 'Sensible' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'sensatez' when you mean sensitivity.”
Correction: Use 'sensibilidad' for feelings and 'sensatez' for being logical or reasonable.
Sentimiento vs. Sensibilidad
Mistake: “Using 'sentimiento' for physical touch.”
Correction: Use 'sentimiento' for an emotion (like love) and 'sensibilidad' for the physical ability to feel your skin.
sensibilidad
/sen-see-bee-lee-dahd//sensibiliˈðad/
Examples
Tengo mucha sensibilidad en los dientes.
I have a lot of sensitivity in my teeth.
Ella tiene una gran sensibilidad artística.
She has a great artistic sensitivity.
Es un tema que requiere mucha sensibilidad.
It is a topic that requires a lot of sensitivity.
Su sensibilidad ante el dolor ajeno es admirable.
Their sensitivity toward others' pain is admirable.
Always Feminine
Words that end in '-dad' are always feminine in Spanish. You will always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
Using 'a' or 'ante'
When talking about what someone is sensitive to, use the words 'a' or 'ante' (meaning toward/in the face of).
Expressing Lack of Feeling
In Spanish, we say 'perder la sensibilidad' to describe a limb falling asleep or nerve damage.
The 'Sensible' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'sensatez' when you mean sensitivity.”
Correction: Use 'sensibilidad' for feelings and 'sensatez' for being logical or reasonable.
Sentimiento vs. Sensibilidad
Mistake: “Using 'sentimiento' for physical touch.”
Correction: Use 'sentimiento' for an emotion (like love) and 'sensibilidad' for the physical ability to feel your skin.
tacto
/TAK-toh//ˈtakto/
Examples
Tienes que tener tacto cuando hables con él sobre su despido.
You need to have tact when you talk to him about his dismissal.
El jefe no tiene ningún tacto para dar noticias malas.
The boss has no tact at all when giving bad news.
Manejó la discusión con mucho tacto y diplomacia.
She handled the discussion with a lot of tact and diplomacy.
Verbs used with 'tacto'
This meaning is almost always used with the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'faltar' (to lack).
Missing the preposition
Mistake: “No tiene tacto hablar con ella.”
Correction: No tiene tacto para hablar con ella.
Sensibilidad vs. Tacto
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