Translation guide
The English word 'fragile' can refer to physical objects that break easily, delicate emotional states, unstable systems, or weak health. Japanese uses different words depending on what is fragile.
Describing items that can easily break, shatter, or be damaged when dropped or handled.
The most common and general way to say something is physically fragile or easily broken. Literally 'easy to break'.
この花瓶は壊れやすいので、気をつけて運んでください。
This vase is fragile, so please carry it carefully.
Specifically for things that crack or shatter, like glass or ceramics. 'Easy to crack/break'.
その皿は割れやすいから、重ねないで。
Those plates are fragile, so don't stack them.
Implies brittleness; something that breaks or crumbles easily under stress. Often used for materials like dry wood, biscuits, or weak structures.
この材質は脆くて、すぐに折れてしまう。
This material is fragile and breaks easily.
Loanword from English 'delicate'. Used for items that need careful handling, often in instructions or on packaging.
この製品はデリケートですので、取り扱いにご注意ください。
This product is fragile, so please handle with care.
Describing a person who is easily hurt, upset, or emotionally unstable.
Literally 'easy to be hurt'. The most direct way to say emotionally fragile or sensitive.
彼は傷つきやすいから、言葉に気をつけて。
He is fragile, so be careful with your words.
Means delicate or sensitive. Can describe a person's emotional nature or a nuanced situation. Often positive or neutral.
彼女は繊細な心の持ち主だ。
She has a fragile heart.
Also used for emotional fragility, implying a weak or easily broken spirit. Can sound slightly negative.
Loanword from English 'naive', but in Japanese often means emotionally sensitive or fragile, not just innocent.
Describing a person whose health is weak, easily becomes ill, or is in a delicate state.
A formal or medical term for physical weakness or frailty. Often used for elderly or chronically ill people.
祖母は虚弱で、よく入院する。
My grandmother is fragile and often hospitalized.
Specifically means sickly or prone to illness. Common in everyday speech.
Describing something abstract that is unstable and could easily collapse or fail.
Also used for abstract things like peace, balance, or trust that can easily break down.
両国の平和はまだ脆い。
The peace between the two countries is still fragile.
Means unstable or precarious. Often used for economic or political situations.
Implies something is in a dangerous or critical state, likely to fail. Can be used for fragile balances.
壊れやすい is the most general for 'fragile' (easy to break). 割れやすい is specifically for things that crack or shatter (glass, ceramics). 脆い implies brittleness and can be used for both physical and abstract things, but often carries a nuance of weakness or lack of resilience.
ガラスは割れやすい。
Glass is fragile (shatters easily).
このおもちゃは壊れやすい。
This toy is fragile (breaks easily).
彼の決意は脆かった。
His resolve was fragile.
The loanword フラジャイル (furajairu) is mainly used on shipping labels or in technical contexts. It sounds unnatural when describing a person's emotional state or health. Use 傷つきやすい or 虚弱 instead.
中身が壊れやすいので、取り扱いにご注意ください。
Please handle with care; the contents are fragile.
彼女は自尊心が傷つきやすい。
She has a fragile ego.
停戦は脆い状態だ。
The ceasefire is fragile.
He has a fragile side mentally.
彼はナイーブだから、批判に弱い。
He is fragile, so he can't handle criticism well.
彼は子供の頃、病弱だった。
He was fragile as a child.
Describes a weak, frail appearance or manner. Can be used for someone who looks fragile.
彼女は弱々しい体つきをしている。
She has a fragile build.
経済の回復はまだ不安定だ。
The economic recovery is still fragile.
その合意は危ういバランスの上に成り立っている。
The agreement rests on a fragile balance.