touchy
word
/ˈtətʃi/
/tˈʌtʃi/
Definition
Describes a person who is easily upset or offended, or a subject that is sensitive and can cause strong reactions.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes negative; describes both people and situations. Often used like 'He's a bit touchy today.' Common with topics: 'touchy subject'. Don’t confuse with 'tactile' (related to touch) or 'sensitive' (broader, not always negative).
Spanish: susceptible - delicadoPortuguese (BR): sensível - melindrosoPortuguese (PT): sensível - melindrosoChinese (Simplified): 敏感的 - 易怒的Chinese (Traditional): 敏感的 - 易怒的Hindi: सम्वेदनशील - चिड़चिड़ाArabic: حساس - سريع الغضبBengali: সহজে আহত হয় এমন - স্পর্শকাতর (বিষয়)Russian: обидчивый - щекотливый (тема)Japanese: 神経質な - デリケートな（話題）Vietnamese: dễ tự ái - nhạy cảm (vấn đề)Korean: 예민한 - 민감한 (주제)Turkish: alıngan - hassas (konu)Urdu: جلد رنج - حساس (موضوع)Indonesian: mudah tersinggung - sensitif (topik)
Example Sentences
My brother is very touchy about his cooking.
basic
Be careful, that's a touchy subject for her.
basic
He gets touchy when people mention his age.
basic
Don't bring that up—he's a little touchy right now.
natural
Politics is always a touchy subject at family dinners.
natural
Wow, you’re touchy today—did something happen?
natural