délicat
/de.li.ka/
The English phrase "delicate" is translated into French as délicat.
délicat is used to describe something that is easily damaged or requires careful handling. This applies to physical fragility, as well as abstract situations that are sensitive or tricky to handle.
Meaning: easily damaged or requiring careful handling (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form délicate is created by adding an -e to the masculine form. The masculine plural form délicats is formed by adding an -s to the masculine singular form, while the feminine plural form délicates is created by adding -es to the masculine singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.li.ka/
Did you know?
- The French word délicat shares a common ancestor with the English word 'delicious'. Both stem from the Latin 'delicatus', which originally described something that is charming, pleasing, or delightful.
- While délicat means 'fragile', it can also describe a person who is 'fastidious' or 'picky', especially regarding food or social etiquette.
- Unlike the English 'delicate' which often implies 'weak', the French délicat can carry a stronger connotation of 'refined' or 'exquisite' when discussing craftsmanship.
Examples in context
- Elle a la peau délicate.She has delicate skin.This sentence is useful for describing the nature of skin using délicat.Tatoeba #3259710 by Micsmithel, translation #3259711 by Jesse
- Martha est très délicate.Martha is super delicate.Tatoeba #11941126 by Amastan, translation #11596423 by Amastan
- C'est un problème délicat.It's a delicate problem.This sentence is useful for describing a tricky situation using délicat.Tatoeba #7698051 by Maxence, translation #42305 by CK
- Cette porcelaine est très délicate.This porcelain is very delicate.
- Je dois manipuler cette affaire avec délicatesse.I have to handle this matter with delicacy.
- C'est un sujet délicat à aborder lors de la réunion.It's a delicate subject to discuss during the meeting.
- Cette cristallerie est très fragile.This glassware is very delicate.
- Il faut être attentif, car la situation est fragile.We need to be cautious as the situation is delicate.
- Le compromis atteint est fragile et requiert une attention constante.The reached compromise is delicate and requires constant attention.
- C'est une question épineuse dont il faut s'occuper avec tact.It's a delicate matter that needs to be addressed with tact.
- Ce sujet est assez épineux, mieux vaut être prudent.This subject is quite delicate, it's better to be cautious.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are moving fragile items in a house.
- GabrielFais attention, ce vase est très délicat.Be careful, this vase is very delicate.
- LéaD'accord, je vais le porter avec soin.Okay, I will carry it with care.
- GabrielIl est vraiment délicat, ne le pose pas brusquement.It is truly delicate, don't set it down abruptly.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, Gabriel, je suis prudente.Don't worry, Gabriel, I am being careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delicate” translations and entries délicat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries délicat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
