Translation guide
The English word "sensitivity" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings relate to emotional sensitivity (being easily hurt or considerate of others), physical sensitivity (of senses, skin, or instruments), and the sensitivity of information or topics. This guide breaks down these core meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Describing a person who is easily affected by emotions, criticism, or the feelings of others; being delicate or touchy.
The most direct translation for emotional sensitivity, often implying a tendency to be easily hurt or strongly affected by things. Can be used for both people and their nature.
He is sensitive to criticism.
She is a very sensitive person.
Means 'nervous' or 'high-strung', often implying oversensitivity to small things, easily irritated or worried. More negative nuance than 敏感.
He is sensitive about noise.
Delicate, sensitive in a refined or fragile way. Often positive, implying emotional depth and perceptiveness.
She has a sensitive heart.
Literally 'easily wounded', a common way to say someone is emotionally vulnerable or sensitive.
He's sensitive, so be careful with your words.
Being sensitive to the needs, feelings, or situations of other people; tact, thoughtfulness.
Consideration, sympathy, thoughtfulness. The most natural word for showing sensitivity toward others.
His actions lack sensitivity.
Consideration, care, attention to someone's circumstances. Often used in formal or business contexts.
To be attentive and considerate, to take care not to hurt or inconvenience others. Very common in daily conversation.
High responsiveness to physical stimuli: sensitive skin, sensitive hearing, sensitive equipment.
Used for physical sensitivity as well. Works for skin, sensors, microphones, etc.
My skin is sensitive and gets irritated easily.
Hypersensitivity, often used in medical or technical contexts (e.g., allergies, overly sensitive reactions).
Sensitivity as a measurable quality of a device or sensor (e.g., radio sensitivity). Not used for people.
Describing information, issues, or situations that require careful handling because they are private, controversial, or could cause problems.
Delicate, subtle, tricky. Often used for topics that are hard to discuss openly or require tact.
That's a sensitive issue.
Loanword from English, used for delicate matters, sensitive information, or fragile situations.
Confidential, classified. Used for official secrets or highly sensitive data.
敏感 (びんかん) is a general term for sensitivity, both emotional and physical. 繊細 (せんさい) implies a delicate, refined sensitivity, often positive. 神経質 (しんけいしつ) suggests nervousness or being easily irritated, usually negative.
While 敏感な人 is acceptable, it can sound clinical. In casual conversation, 傷つきやすい人 or 繊細な人 may be more natural depending on the nuance. For 'considerate person', use 思いやりのある人.
Please treat them with more sensitivity.
Handling personal information requires great sensitivity.
彼はいつも周りに気を遣っている。
He is always sensitive to those around him.
This microphone is very sensitive.
He is hypersensitive to pollen.
This antenna has high sensitivity.
This is sensitive information, so please don't leak it outside.
Care is needed when handling sensitive documents.