delicate
word
/ˈdɛɫəkət/
DE-li-kuht
/dˈɛlɪkət/
DE-li-kuht
Definition
If something is delicate, it is easy to damage, soft and fine in appearance, or needs careful handling because the situation is sensitive.
Usage & Nuances
Common with objects ('delicate skin', 'delicate fabric'), flavors ('a delicate taste'), and situations ('a delicate issue'). For sensitive topics, 'delicate' often means you should speak carefully. It is more refined than just 'fragile'.
Spanish: delicado - frágil - sutilPortuguese (BR): delicado - frágil - sutilPortuguese (PT): delicado - frágil - subtilChinese (Simplified): 脆弱的 - 精致的 - 微妙的Chinese (Traditional): 脆弱的 - 精緻的 - 微妙的Hindi: नाज़ुक - कोमल - संवेदनशीलArabic: رقيق - هش - حساسBengali: নাজুক - সূক্ষ্ম - সংবেদনশীলRussian: деликатный - хрупкийJapanese: 繊細な - 壊れやすいVietnamese: tinh tế - mong manhKorean: 섬세한 - 연약한Turkish: narin - hassasUrdu: نازک - حساسIndonesian: lembut - rapuh - sensitif
Example Sentences
Be careful with that glass vase. It's very delicate.
basic
This baby has delicate skin.
basic
We need a delicate touch to fix this old painting.
basic
It's a delicate subject, so let's choose our words carefully.
natural
The sauce has a delicate flavor that goes well with fish.
natural
She handled the delicate situation better than anyone expected.
natural