繊細(せんさい)

せんさい
na-adjective, noun
delicate; sensitive; fine
1. delicate; fine; subtle
Having a quality of fineness, intricacy, or subtlety in appearance, craftsmanship, or expression.
この絵(え)は繊細(せんさい)なタッチで描(えが)かれている。
This painting is rendered with delicate brushwork.
繊細(せんさい)な味(あじ)わいのある料理(りょうり)だ。
It's a dish with subtle, delicate flavors.
2. sensitive; emotionally delicate
Having a sensitive nature that perceives subtle things or is easily affected by emotions.
彼女(かのじょ)は繊細(せんさい)な性格(せいかく)で、人(ひと)の気持(きも)ちに敏感(びんかん)だ。
She has a sensitive personality and is attuned to others' feelings.

NUANCE:
繊細(せんさい) generally has positive or neutral connotations, unlike 神経質(しんけいしつ) which can be negative.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 繊細(せんさい)なタッチ - delicate touch
  • 繊細(せんさい)な模様(もよう) - fine patterns
  • 繊細(せんさい)な感性(かんせい) - delicate sensibility
  • 繊細(せんさい)な味(あじ) - subtle taste

USAGE:

Can describe:

  • Physical qualities (craftsmanship, design)
  • Sensory qualities (taste, texture)
  • Personal qualities (sensitivity, emotionality)

RELATED:

  • 神経質(しんけいしつ) - nervous (often negative)
  • デリケート - delicate (loanword)
  • 微妙(びみょう) - subtle, delicate

Related Words

Contrast: 神経質(しんけいしつ) (nervous)
general
Added 2026.1.20 21:57 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07500/07607_sensai