デリケート

also: デリケイト

デ

リ

ケ

ー

ト

Common wordFreq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

na-adjective

sensitive; easily hurt

Describes a person's emotional sensitivity or a heart that is easily wounded.

na-adjective

Used for issues, problems, or topics that require careful handling to avoid trouble or offense.

それはデリケートな問もん題だいだから、慎しん重ちょうに話はなし合あおう。
That's a delicate issue, so let's discuss it carefully.

na-adjective

Refers to physical fragility or sensitivity, such as easily damaged objects or sensitive skin.

このガラス細工ざいくはとてもデリケートだ。
This glasswork is very delicate.
デリケートな肌はだに合あう化け粧しょう品ひんを探さがしている。
I'm looking for cosmetics suitable for sensitive skin.

na-adjective

Describes fine, subtle qualities in fabric, color, flavor, etc., often with a positive aesthetic nuance.

敏びん感かん
敏感 is more about acute physical or emotional sensitivity, while デリケート often implies fragility or the need for careful handling.
繊せん細さい
繊細 is a native Japanese word for 'delicate' or 'fine', often used for craftsmanship or subtlety, and can sound more formal than デリケート.

Loanword from English 'delicate', adopted into Japanese with the same broad range of meanings.