← Back to Fala2Me

be sensitive

[/bi ˈsɛnsətɪv/]
verb phrase
ser sensível
1. to be easily affected emotionally; to react strongly to something
She is sensitive to criticism.
Ela é sensível a críticas.
2. to be physically responsive to stimuli; to have acute sensory perception
His skin is sensitive to harsh chemicals.
A pele dele é sensível a produtos químicos agressivos.
3. to be aware of and responsive to the feelings or needs of others
He tries to be sensitive to her concerns.
Ele tenta ser sensível às preocupações dela.
4. to be delicate or requiring careful handling; to deal with touchy subjects
This is a sensitive topic that requires careful discussion.
Este é um assunto sensível que requer discussão cuidadosa.
Synonyms
be emotionalbe responsivebe tenderbe delicatebe touchybe perceptive
Antonyms
be insensitivebe indifferentbe thick-skinnedbe unresponsivebe callous

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser sensível
standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ser sensível / ser chato
chato can mean oversensitive in colloquial speech
São Paulo
ser sensível
standard usage, may use 'ser frágil emocionalmente' for emotional sensitivity
Portugal
ser sensível
standard usage; may also use 'ser delicado' for physical sensitivity

Related Idioms & Phrases

have a thin skin
wear one's heart on one's sleeve
be a softie
have tender feelings
be prone to hurt feelings
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →