Translation guide
The English word 'delicate' covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories for natural Japanese expression.
Describing something physically fragile, easily broken, or requiring careful handling.
The most common and direct way to say something is fragile or easily broken. Used for objects, materials, etc.
このガラスはとても壊れやすいです。
This glass is very delicate.
Often used for delicate craftsmanship, fine details, or things that require gentle handling. Can also describe emotional sensitivity.
その陶器は繊細な作りです。
The pottery is of delicate craftsmanship.
A loanword from English, often used for things that are sensitive or easily affected, like skin, fabrics, or situations.
この布地はデリケートなので、手洗いしてください。
This fabric is delicate, so please hand-wash it.
Describing something subtle, faint, or not intense, such as flavors, colors, scents, or differences.
Means subtle, delicate, or nuanced. Often used for differences, flavors, or situations that are hard to describe precisely.
このソースは微妙な味がします。
This sauce has a delicate flavor.
Used for pale, light, or faint colors, light, or hopes. Implies a soft, delicate quality.
淡いピンク色の花が咲いています。
Delicate pink flowers are blooming.
Means faint, slight, or barely perceptible. Good for delicate sounds, smells, or sensations.
かすかな香りが部屋に漂っています。
A delicate scent is drifting in the room.
Describing a situation, topic, or person that requires careful handling to avoid offense or problems.
The loanword is very common for sensitive matters, personal issues, or situations needing tact.
それはデリケートな問題なので、慎重に話し合いましょう。
That's a delicate issue, so let's discuss it carefully.
Can also mean a touchy or awkward situation, where the outcome is uncertain or feelings are easily hurt.
彼との関係は今、微妙な状態です。
My relationship with him is in a delicate state right now.
Literally 'hard to handle', used for people or situations that are difficult to manage without causing trouble.
彼は扱いにくい人だから、気をつけて。
He's a delicate person to deal with, so be careful.
Describing something beautifully fine, graceful, or intricately made, often in art, design, or nature.
Means elegant, graceful, and refined. Often used for art, movement, or appearance.
彼女の優美なダンスに魅了されました。
I was captivated by her delicate dance.
Again, for delicate and intricate work, like lace, carvings, or detailed art.
このレースは繊細な模様が美しいです。
This lace has a beautiful delicate pattern.
Means elaborate, exquisite, or finely crafted. Often used for machinery, craftsmanship, or detailed work.
その時計は精巧な細工が施されています。
The watch has delicate workmanship.
Describing a person who is physically weak, frail, or easily becomes ill.
Means physically weak or frail, often used for a person's constitution.
彼は子供の頃から虚弱な体質です。
He has had a delicate constitution since childhood.
Implies a lack of strength, often with a nuance of being puny or feeble.
ひ弱な体を鍛えるためにジムに通っています。
I go to the gym to strengthen my delicate body.
Specifically means sickly or prone to illness.
彼女は病弱で、よく学校を休みます。
She is delicate and often misses school.
Both can translate 'delicate', but 繊細 (sensai) often emphasizes fine craftsmanship or emotional sensitivity, while デリケート (derikēto) is more about fragility or sensitivity to external factors. デリケート is a loanword and feels slightly more modern/casual in some contexts.
While 微妙な状況 is possible, it can sound vague. For a tense or tricky situation, consider 難しい状況 (muzukashii jōkyō) or 慎重を要する状況 (shinchō o yōsuru jōkyō) depending on nuance.