Frágil describes anything that is delicate and easily broken or damaged.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for objects that break easily.
- Describes delicate physical or emotional states.
- Commonly applied to glass or porcelain.
Panorama general
La palabra 'frágil' proviene del latín 'fragilis' y denota una falta de resistencia física o estructural. Es una palabra fundamental en español para describir objetos que requieren un manejo cuidadoso para evitar su deterioro.
Patrones de uso
Se emplea principalmente con el verbo 'ser' para definir una característica inherente, o con 'estar' cuando la fragilidad es temporal o situacional. Es un adjetivo que admite gradación, por lo que es común escuchar 'muy frágil' o 'extremadamente frágil'.
Contextos comunes
En el ámbito doméstico, se usa frecuentemente con objetos de vidrio, cerámica o porcelana. En contextos biológicos o médicos, describe a personas con sistemas inmunitarios débiles o estados de salud precarios. Metafóricamente, se aplica a conceptos como la 'paz' o la 'economía' para indicar que su estabilidad es precaria.
Comparación de palabras similares
A diferencia de 'débil', que suele referirse a la falta de fuerza física o energía, 'frágil' enfatiza la propensión a la rotura o quiebre. Mientras que 'delicado' puede implicar finura o exquisitez, 'frágil' pone el foco directamente en la vulnerabilidad ante el daño.
Examples
Ese jarrón de cristal es muy frágil.
everydayThat glass vase is very fragile.
La frágil economía del país necesita reformas.
formalThe country's fragile economy needs reforms.
Ten cuidado, es un objeto frágil.
informalBe careful, it is a fragile object.
La salud del anciano es sumamente frágil.
academicThe elderly man's health is extremely fragile.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
tratar con cuidado
handle with care
frágil como el cristal
fragile as glass
Often Confused With
Débil refers to lack of strength or power. Frágil refers to the tendency to break or shatter.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Frágil is used in both neutral and formal contexts. It is a very common word in daily life, especially when dealing with fragile goods. It is gender-neutral in the singular form.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'débil' for objects that break easily. Remember that 'débil' is for strength, while 'frágil' is for structural integrity. Also, do not forget the plural 'frágiles'.
Tips
Use with caution
Remember that 'frágil' often appears on shipping labels. If you see it on a box, handle the contents with extreme care.
Avoid confusion with weak
Don't confuse 'frágil' with 'débil'. Use 'frágil' for things that shatter and 'débil' for lack of power.
Metaphorical use in Spanish
In Spanish, we often talk about the 'fragilidad de la vida'. This is a common philosophical expression used in literature and daily conversation.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'fragilis', from 'frangere' (to break). It shares the same root as the English word 'fragment'.
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'frágil' is often used to describe human emotions or the delicate nature of relationships. It is a word that carries a sense of empathy when discussing health.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'fragile' glass 'fragmenting' into pieces. The root 'frag' links directly to the English word 'fragment'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsSí, se usa para describir a personas que tienen una salud delicada o que son emocionalmente vulnerables. Es una forma respetuosa de referirse a alguien que necesita cuidados especiales.
Frágil se refiere a la facilidad de romperse, mientras que débil se refiere a la falta de fuerza o resistencia física. Un cristal es frágil, pero una persona puede ser débil si no tiene músculos fuertes.
Sí, es un adjetivo de una sola terminación para ambos géneros, aunque su plural es 'frágiles'. No cambia según el género del sustantivo al que acompaña.
Test Yourself
Ten cuidado con ese jarrón, es muy ___.
El jarrón es un objeto que se rompe fácilmente.
Score: /1
Summary
Frágil describes anything that is delicate and easily broken or damaged.
- Used for objects that break easily.
- Describes delicate physical or emotional states.
- Commonly applied to glass or porcelain.
Use with caution
Remember that 'frágil' often appears on shipping labels. If you see it on a box, handle the contents with extreme care.
Avoid confusion with weak
Don't confuse 'frágil' with 'débil'. Use 'frágil' for things that shatter and 'débil' for lack of power.
Metaphorical use in Spanish
In Spanish, we often talk about the 'fragilidad de la vida'. This is a common philosophical expression used in literature and daily conversation.
Examples
4 of 4Ese jarrón de cristal es muy frágil.
That glass vase is very fragile.
La frágil economía del país necesita reformas.
The country's fragile economy needs reforms.
Ten cuidado, es un objeto frágil.
Be careful, it is a fragile object.
La salud del anciano es sumamente frágil.
The elderly man's health is extremely fragile.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More tools words
abrazadera
B1A device for gripping or holding things together tightly.
adaptador
A2A device for connecting two parts of different sizes or types.
adecuadamente
A2In a suitable or appropriate manner.
adecuado
A2Suitable for a particular purpose or situation.
adhesivo
A2A substance used to stick objects or materials together; glue.
afilado
A2Having a thin, keen cutting edge or point.
aflojar
A2To make something less tight or to loosen it.
alambre
A2Metal drawn out into a thin flexible thread or rod.
alicates
A2A hand tool used for gripping or cutting small objects, wires, etc.
amoladora
B2A power tool used for grinding, cutting, or polishing materials.
