How to Say "tender" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “tender” is “tierno” — use 'tierno' primarily for food, especially meat, to describe its softness and ease of chewing.
tierno
tee-EHR-nohˈtjeɾno
Examples
El chef cocinó el bistec hasta que quedó muy tierno.
The chef cooked the steak until it was very tender.
Estas hojas de lechuga son muy tiernas; cómelas pronto.
These lettuce leaves are very soft/delicate; eat them soon.
Agreement is Key
Since 'tierno' is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the noun it describes: 'el pollo tierno' (masculine singular), 'la fruta tierna' (feminine singular), 'los tallos tiernos' (masculine plural).
blando
blahn-dohˈblando
Examples
El pan está muy blando.
The bread is very soft.
Prefiero dormir en un colchón blando.
I prefer sleeping on a soft mattress.
La fruta está blanda porque ya está muy madura.
The fruit is squishy because it is already very ripe.
Matching the Gender
Remember that the ending changes depending on what you are describing. Use 'blando' for masculine things (like el pan) and 'blanda' for feminine things (like la cama).
Blando vs. Suave
Spanish has two words for 'soft.' Use 'blando' for things that squish or change shape when you press them. Use 'suave' for things that feel smooth to the touch, like silk or skin.
Confusing 'Soft' for 'Smooth'
Mistake: “El gato es muy blando.”
Correction: El gato es muy suave. Because 'blando' means 'squishy like dough' rather than 'soft to pet.'
amoroso
ah-moh-ROH-sohamoˈɾoso
Examples
Mi abuelo es un hombre muy amoroso con sus nietos.
My grandfather is a very loving man with his grandchildren.
Recibió una carta amorosa de su pareja.
She received a loving letter from her partner.
Tienen una relación amorosa muy estable.
They have a very stable romantic relationship.
Changing the Ending
This word changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'amoroso' for masculine (a boy, a dog) and 'amorosa' for feminine (a girl, a letter).
Placement After the Name
In Spanish, you usually put 'amoroso' after the noun you are describing, like 'un gato amoroso' (a loving cat).
Amoroso vs. Amable
Mistake: “Using 'amoroso' to mean 'polite'.”
Correction: Use 'amable' for polite strangers and 'amoroso' for deep affection. You wouldn't call a helpful bank teller 'amoroso' unless you really loved them!
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.
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.)
Food vs. Feelings
Related Translations
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