uñas quebradizas
/uɲas kebɾadiθas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "brittle nails" is translated into Spanish as uñas quebradizas.
What does it mean word for word?
The word quebradizas means "brittle" or "breakable". It is the feminine plural form of the adjective quebradizo, which is derived from the verb quebrar (to break).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective quebradizas must agree in gender and number with the feminine plural noun uñas.
How do you pronounce it?
/uɲas kebɾadiθas/
Did you know?
- While quebradizas describes the fragility of nails, the word quebrar is also used in Spanish finance to describe a company going bankrupt.
- In some Latin American countries, the term uñas quebradizas is often discussed alongside estrés, as people believe emotional tension physically weakens the nails.
- If you were to describe nails that are not just brittle but actually splitting into layers, a native speaker might use the specific term uñas escamadas, which literally means 'scaly nails'.
Examples in context
- Mis uñas se han vuelto frágiles y se quiebran fácilmente.My nails have become brittle and easily break.
- ¿Has probado algún tratamiento para tus uñas débiles?Have you tried any treatment for your brittle nails?
- Sí, he estado usando aceite de oliva para fortalecerlas.Yes, I've been using olive oil to strengthen them.
- Tengo las uñas quebradizas últimamente.I have brittle nails lately.
- El frío causa uñas quebradizas.The cold causes brittle nails.
- Necesito un tratamiento para mis uñas quebradizas.I need a treatment for my brittle nails.
Example conversation
Lucía is showing her hands to Alejandro in the living room.
- Alejandro¿Por qué tienes las uñas quebradizas, Lucía?Why do you have brittle nails, Lucía?
- LucíaEs por el uso constante de productos de limpieza.It is from the constant use of cleaning products.
- AlejandroDeberías usar guantes para evitar las uñas quebradizas.You should use gloves to avoid brittle nails.
- LucíaTienes razón, Alejandro, lo haré.You are right, Alejandro, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
