繊細(せんさい)

せんさい
na-adjective, noun
delicate; sensitive; fine
descriptivepersonality
1. delicate; fine; subtle
Having a quality of fineness, intricacy, or subtlety in appearance, craftsmanship, or expression.
繊細(せんさい)な模様(もよう)だ。
It's a delicate pattern.
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.
繊細(せんさい)な心(こころ)の持(も)ち主(ぬし)だ。
They have a sensitive heart.
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.
繊細(せんさい)な感性(かんせい)を持(も)つ彼(かれ)は、自然(しぜん)の小(ちい)さな変化(へんか)にもすぐ気(き)づく。
With his delicate sensibility, he immediately notices even small changes in nature.

Usage

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.
Can describe:

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

Common collocations

Related words

Related Words

Compare: 神経質(しんけいしつ) (nervous)
Compare: 鈍感(どんかん) (insensitive, thick-skinned)
Related: 敏感(びんかん) (sensitive, responsive)
Related: 微妙(びみょう) (subtle, delicate)
Compare: 精巧(せいこう) (elaborate, exquisite, intricate)
Compare: 感受性(かんじゅせい) (sensitivity, receptivity)
Compare: 精細(せいさい) (detailed)
general
Added 2026.1.20 21:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07500/07607_sensai