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A2 adjective #1,200 most common 15 min read

sensible

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sensible in 30 Seconds

Explanation sensible in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, your primary goal with the word sensible is simply to recognize it as a false friend and memorize its true meaning. You do not need to master complex grammatical structures yet, but you must stop yourself from translating it as sensible or reasonable. At this stage, you should focus on learning how to describe basic physical states and simple personality traits. You will learn to say things like 'J'ai la peau sensible' (I have sensitive skin) or 'Il est très sensible' (He is very sensitive). These are simple, subject-verb-adjective sentences that form the foundation of French communication. You should also practice pronunciation, ensuring you pronounce the nasal 'en' sound correctly and keep the final 's' silent in the plural form. Teachers at the A1 level will frequently test your knowledge of false friends, and sensible is always at the top of the list. By firmly associating sensible with sensitive right from the start, you will prevent a bad habit from forming and set yourself up for success as you progress to higher levels of French proficiency. Focus on recognizing the word in written texts, such as product labels in a pharmacy, and understanding its meaning when spoken slowly in audio exercises.

At the A2 elementary level, you are expected to move beyond simple recognition and start actively using sensible in your own sentences. You should be comfortable with adjective agreement, knowing that sensible remains the same for masculine and feminine singular, and takes an 's' for the plural. You will start using the crucial construction 'être sensible à' (to be sensitive to). This allows you to express more complex ideas, such as 'Je suis sensible au froid' (I am sensitive to the cold) or 'Elle est sensible à la musique' (She is sensitive to music). You will also learn to use basic adverbs of intensity with sensible, such as très (very), un peu (a little), or trop (too). At this level, you should be able to understand short, simple texts or conversations where sensible is used to describe a person's character or a physical condition. You will also begin to encounter the word in the context of topics or situations, such as 'un sujet sensible' (a sensitive topic). Your goal at A2 is to use sensible confidently in everyday, predictable situations, such as describing yourself to a doctor, talking about your friends' personalities, or expressing your preferences for certain environments.

At the B1 intermediate level, your understanding and usage of sensible must become more nuanced and flexible. You are now expected to navigate the different contexts of the word seamlessly, transitioning from physical sensitivity to emotional depth to abstract concepts like sensitive data or sensitive neighborhoods. You should be comfortable using sensible in various tenses, such as the passé composé ('Il a été très sensible à ta remarque') or the imparfait ('Elle était une enfant sensible'). At this level, you will also start to differentiate sensible from its synonyms, such as émotif, susceptible, and délicat. You should understand that calling someone susceptible is slightly negative, while calling them sensible is generally neutral or positive. You will encounter sensible frequently in authentic French media, such as news articles, podcasts, and interviews, where it is often used to describe political or social issues ('un dossier sensible'). Your goal at B1 is to use sensible spontaneously in conversations, to express your opinions on sensitive topics diplomatically, and to understand the subtle cultural implications of the word in French society. You should also be fully cured of the false friend trap by this stage.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your command of sensible should be highly sophisticated. You are expected to understand and use the word in complex, abstract, and professional contexts. You will frequently encounter and use phrases like 'données sensibles' (sensitive data) in business contexts, or 'quartier sensible' in sociological discussions. You should be able to write formal essays or reports using sensible appropriately, demonstrating a clear understanding of its nuances compared to related terms like vulnérable or réceptif. At this level, you will also understand idiomatic or less common usages, and you will be able to play with the word's meaning in debates or persuasive speech. For example, you might argue about the best way to handle 'une question politiquement sensible' (a politically sensitive issue). You should be able to comprehend fast-paced, native-level speech where sensible is embedded in complex sentence structures. Your goal at B2 is to use sensible with the precision and natural flow of an educated native speaker, adapting your usage perfectly to the register and context of the situation, whether you are in a formal job interview or a deep, emotional conversation with a close friend.

At the C1 advanced level, the word sensible is fully integrated into your expansive vocabulary, and you use it effortlessly to express highly precise shades of meaning. You are capable of understanding literary and historical uses of the word, including the philosophical concept of 'le monde sensible' (the sensory world, as opposed to the intelligible world). You can easily navigate the subtle differences between sensible and highly specific synonyms, choosing exactly the right word for the desired rhetorical effect. In professional or academic settings, you use sensible to discuss complex legal, ethical, or scientific issues, such as 'la gestion des informations commercialement sensibles' (the management of commercially sensitive information). You are also adept at using the word in its negative forms to imply resilience or stoicism ('Il est resté insensible à leurs menaces'). At this level, you not only avoid the false friend trap entirely, but you can also explain the linguistic mechanics of the false friend to lower-level learners. Your goal at C1 is absolute mastery, using sensible as a versatile tool for nuanced expression, persuasion, and deep intellectual or emotional engagement in the French language.

At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of sensible transcends basic definitions and enters the realm of deep cultural and linguistic intuition. You possess a native-like grasp of the word's etymology, its evolution in French literature, and its subtle connotations in various regional dialects or social registers. You can effortlessly employ sensible in highly sophisticated wordplay, irony, or poetic expression. You understand the profound cultural significance of sensitivity in French history, from the literary movement of 'la sensibilité' in the 18th century to modern psychological discourse. In professional contexts, you can draft complex legal or diplomatic documents where the precise interpretation of 'données sensibles' or 'zones sensibles' is of critical importance. You can engage in high-level philosophical debates regarding the nature of sensory perception ('l'expérience sensible'). At this ultimate level of proficiency, sensible is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual lens through which you can analyze and articulate the complexities of the human experience, societal structures, and abstract thought in the French language, demonstrating a mastery that rivals that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sensible in 30 Seconds

Means 'sensitive', not 'sensible'.
Used for physical and emotional sensitivity.
Used for delicate topics and confidential data.
Always placed after the noun it modifies.

The French adjective sensible is one of the most notorious and frequently encountered false friends for English speakers learning the French language. While it looks exactly like the English word sensible, its primary meaning is entirely different. In French, sensible translates to sensitive in English. This fundamental difference in meaning is a crucial concept to master early in your French learning journey to avoid significant misunderstandings in both casual conversations and professional environments. When an English speaker says someone is sensible, they mean the person is practical, reasonable, and shows good judgment. However, if you describe a person as sensible in French, you are saying that they are emotionally or physically sensitive. To express the English idea of sensible in French, you would instead use words like sensé or raisonnable. Understanding this distinction is the first step to using sensible correctly. Let us explore the various contexts in which the French word sensible is naturally used by native speakers. The word sensible applies to several distinct categories of sensitivity. The first and most common category is emotional sensitivity. When applied to a person, être sensible means that the individual is easily affected by emotions, empathetic, or perhaps easily offended or hurt.

Il pleure souvent devant les films tristes, il est très sensible.

In this context, the word carries a neutral to slightly positive connotation, suggesting empathy and depth of feeling, though it can sometimes imply being overly fragile depending on the tone. The second major category is physical sensitivity. This can refer to body parts that react strongly to stimuli, such as cold, heat, or pain. For example, you will frequently see this word on cosmetic products.

Label: Cosmetics and Health: In pharmacies across France, you will see products labeled for 'peau sensible' (sensitive skin) or toothpaste for 'dents sensibles' (sensitive teeth).

J'utilise une crème spéciale car j'ai la peau sensible.

The third category involves abstract concepts, situations, or information. Just as in English, a topic of conversation can be sensitive, meaning it requires tact and diplomacy to discuss without causing offense or controversy.

Label: Politics and Society: Journalists and politicians frequently refer to a 'sujet sensible' (sensitive topic) or a 'quartier sensible' (a sensitive neighborhood, often implying an area with social difficulties or higher crime rates).

La religion est parfois un sujet sensible lors des repas de famille.

Furthermore, in the modern digital age, the word sensible is heavily used in the context of data protection and security. 'Données sensibles' translates directly to sensitive data, referring to personal, financial, or medical information that must be protected from unauthorized access.

L'entreprise doit protéger les informations sensibles de ses clients.

Another important grammatical structure to learn is 'être sensible à', which means to be sensitive to or to be affected by something. This can be used for physical reactions, like being sensitive to the cold, or abstract reactions, like being sensitive to art, music, or a particular cause.

Label: Appreciation and Awareness: Saying 'Je suis sensible à l'art moderne' means you appreciate or are moved by modern art, showing a refined level of emotional receptivity.

Elle est très sensible à la cause animale et donne souvent aux associations.

In summary, the French word sensible is a versatile and highly common adjective that permeates daily life, from the bathroom cabinet to the corporate boardroom, and from emotional confessions to political debates. By completely detaching it from the English concept of being reasonable or practical, and firmly associating it with the concept of sensitivity, you will unlock a powerful tool for expressing nuance, empathy, and awareness in the French language. It is a word that bridges the physical and the emotional, the personal and the political, making it an indispensable part of your growing French vocabulary.

Using the adjective sensible correctly in French sentences requires an understanding of French adjective placement rules, prepositional phrases, and the subtle shifts in meaning based on context. Like the vast majority of descriptive adjectives in French, sensible is typically placed immediately after the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar that applies to adjectives describing shape, color, nationality, and physical or emotional qualities. Therefore, you will say 'une peau sensible' (a sensitive skin) rather than 'une sensible peau'.

Il a abordé un point très sensible pendant la réunion.

Label: Adjective Placement: Always remember that sensible follows the noun. Placing it before the noun sounds highly unnatural to native French speakers and immediately marks you as a beginner.

When sensible is used as a predicate adjective—meaning it follows a linking verb like être (to be), sembler (to seem), or paraître (to appear)—it must agree in gender and number with the subject of the sentence. Fortunately, because sensible already ends in an 'e' in its masculine singular form, the feminine singular form is exactly the same: sensible. You only need to add an 's' for the plural forms, resulting in sensibles for both masculine plural and feminine plural.

Ces documents sont extrêmement sensibles et confidentiels.

One of the most important grammatical constructions to master is the phrase 'être sensible à' (to be sensitive to). This construction requires the preposition 'à' followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. It is used to express what specifically triggers a person's sensitivity.

Label: Prepositional Usage: The preposition 'à' will contract with definite articles. 'à + le' becomes 'au', and 'à + les' becomes 'aux'. For example, 'Je suis sensible au froid' (I am sensitive to the cold).

Les jeunes enfants sont souvent plus sensibles aux bruits forts.

You can also use adverbs of intensity to modify sensible. Common adverbs include très (very), trop (too), particulièrement (particularly), and extrêmement (extremely).

Ne lui dis pas ça, elle est trop sensible en ce moment.

In negative sentences, the structure remains straightforward. You simply place 'ne' and 'pas' around the conjugated verb.

Label: Negation: When saying someone is not sensitive to something, it can imply a lack of empathy or a physical resilience. 'Il n'est pas sensible à la douleur' (He is not sensitive to pain).

Je ne suis pas sensible à ses arguments, je garde mon opinion.

By practicing these sentence structures—adjective placement after the noun, agreement in number, the use of the preposition 'à', and modification with adverbs—you will quickly become comfortable integrating sensible into your spoken and written French. It is a highly productive word that allows for precise expression of physical sensations, emotional states, and the delicate nature of various topics and information.

The French word sensible is ubiquitous in the Francophone world, appearing across a wide spectrum of daily situations, professional environments, and media broadcasts. Because it encompasses physical sensitivity, emotional depth, and the delicate nature of abstract concepts, you will encounter it in almost every facet of French life. Understanding the specific contexts where this word thrives will significantly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency. Let us explore the primary domains where sensible is most frequently heard and used. The first major context is the health and beauty sector. Walk into any French pharmacie or supermarché, and you will be surrounded by the word sensible. It is the standard industry term for sensitive physical conditions.

Cette lotion est formulée spécifiquement pour les peaux sensibles et réactives.

Label: Medical and Cosmetic Contexts: You will hear dentists talk about 'gencives sensibles' (sensitive gums) and doctors discuss 'estomacs sensibles' (sensitive stomachs). It is a purely clinical and descriptive usage.

The second major context is interpersonal relationships and psychology. When French people discuss personality traits, emotions, or interpersonal conflicts, sensible is a go-to adjective. It is used to describe someone who is empathetic, easily moved to tears, or perhaps easily offended.

Mon fils est un enfant très sensible, il a besoin de beaucoup d'affection.

Label: Emotional Contexts: In romantic relationships or friendships, describing someone as sensible can be a compliment regarding their emotional intelligence, or a warning that they require delicate handling.

The third crucial context is news, politics, and sociology. French journalists and news anchors frequently use sensible to describe topics that are controversial, difficult to discuss, or likely to provoke strong reactions.

Le gouvernement aborde la réforme des retraites, un dossier politiquement sensible.

The fourth context is the corporate and technological world. With the rise of digital privacy concerns, sensible has become a cornerstone of corporate vocabulary. It is used to describe data, documents, or information that must remain confidential.

L'accès à ces fichiers sensibles est strictement réservé à la direction.

Label: Corporate Security: In business meetings, you will hear phrases like 'informations sensibles' or 'données à caractère sensible'. Mishandling such information is a serious breach of protocol.

Finally, you will hear sensible in the context of art and aesthetics. When someone is deeply moved by music, literature, or visual arts, they are described as being sensible to that art form.

Le public parisien est particulièrement sensible à la poésie contemporaine.

By familiarizing yourself with these diverse contexts—pharmacies, emotional discussions, news broadcasts, corporate meetings, and artistic venues—you will not only recognize the word sensible when you hear it, but you will also understand the precise nuance it carries in that specific situation. It is a word that truly reflects the multifaceted nature of French communication.

When English speakers learn the French word sensible, they inevitably encounter a linguistic minefield of false friends and subtle mistranslations. Because the word looks identical to the English word sensible, the brain naturally wants to assign it the same meaning. This leads to the single most common and glaring mistake: using the French word sensible to mean practical, reasonable, or showing good judgment. This error is so widespread that French teachers anticipate it from day one. Let us dissect these common mistakes and provide clear strategies for avoiding them. The classic mistake occurs when an English speaker wants to praise someone for making a wise decision. They might say, 'C'est une décision très sensible.' To a French person, this sounds absurd. It translates to 'That is a very sensitive decision,' which implies the decision itself has feelings or is easily offended.

Incorrect: Il a mis un manteau, c'est un garçon sensible. (Implies he is emotional because he wore a coat).

Label: The False Friend Trap: To express the English idea of 'sensible' (reasonable), you must use the French words 'sensé' or 'raisonnable'. For example, 'C'est une décision sensée' (That is a sensible decision).

Correct: Il a mis un manteau, c'est un garçon sensé. (He put on a coat, he is a sensible/reasonable boy).

Another common mistake involves the English word 'sensitive'. Sometimes, English speakers try to invent a French word that sounds like 'sensitive', resulting in the non-existent or incorrectly used word 'sensitif'. While 'sensitif' does exist in French, it is a highly specialized medical or biological term relating to the sensory nervous system (e.g., 'les nerfs sensitifs'). It is never used to describe someone's emotional state or a delicate topic.

Label: The 'Sensitif' Error: Never say 'Elle est très sensitive' to mean she is very sensitive. You must say 'Elle est très sensible'.

Incorrect: C'est un sujet sensitif. (Meaningless in French).

Correct: C'est un sujet sensible. (It is a sensitive topic).

A third mistake relates to the preposition used with sensible. As discussed in the usage section, the correct preposition is 'à' (être sensible à). English speakers often default to translating the English preposition 'to' or 'about' incorrectly. They might say 'Je suis sensible sur le froid' or 'Je suis sensible pour la musique'. Both are grammatically incorrect in French.

Label: Preposition Errors: Always link sensible to its trigger using the preposition 'à'. Memorize the chunk 'être sensible à' rather than just the word 'sensible'.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse sensible with susceptible. While both relate to emotions, susceptible specifically means touchy, easily offended, or quick to take things personally. Sensible is a broader term that encompasses empathy and deep feeling without necessarily implying a negative reaction. If you call someone susceptible, it is usually a mild criticism. If you call them sensible, it is often an observation of their emotional depth. By actively avoiding these four traps—the false friend translation, the invention of 'sensitif', incorrect prepositions, and confusion with 'susceptible'—you will master the use of sensible and speak French with much greater accuracy and confidence.

While sensible is an incredibly useful and versatile word, expanding your vocabulary to include its synonyms and related terms will allow you to express yourself with greater precision and nuance in French. The French language offers a rich array of adjectives to describe various shades of sensitivity, fragility, and emotional depth. Depending on the exact context—whether you are discussing a person's temperament, a delicate situation, or physical vulnerability—choosing the right alternative to sensible can elevate your French from intermediate to advanced. Let us explore the most common similar words and how they differ from sensible. When discussing emotional sensitivity, the most direct synonym is émotif (masculine) or émotive (feminine). While sensible means sensitive in a broad sense, émotif specifically means emotional or easily moved by emotions. It focuses purely on the emotional reaction rather than physical sensation or abstract delicacy.

Label: Émotif vs. Sensible: Someone who is émotif might cry at a wedding or get visibly angry quickly. Someone who is sensible might feel those things deeply but not necessarily display them as overtly.

Elle a une nature très émotive, la moindre critique la fait pleurer.

Another crucial word in the emotional realm is susceptible. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, susceptible means touchy, thin-skinned, or easily offended. It carries a slightly negative connotation compared to the more neutral or positive sensible.

Label: Susceptible vs. Sensible: Use susceptible when someone takes things personally or gets defensive easily. Use sensible when someone is simply empathetic or feels things deeply.

Fais attention à ce que tu dis, il est très susceptible sur ce sujet.

When dealing with situations, topics, or physical objects, the word délicat is an excellent alternative to sensible. Délicat translates to delicate, tricky, or requiring tact. It can be used for a delicate situation (une situation délicate) or a delicate piece of fabric (un tissu délicat).

Label: Délicat vs. Sensible: In the context of a difficult conversation, 'un sujet délicat' and 'un sujet sensible' are virtually interchangeable, though délicat emphasizes the need for careful handling, while sensible emphasizes the potential for strong reactions.

C'est une question très délicate à aborder avec la direction.

For physical or emotional vulnerability, the word vulnérable is a powerful alternative. It means vulnerable, exposed, or defenseless. It is a stronger word than sensible and implies a risk of harm or damage.

Les personnes âgées sont plus vulnérables aux virus de l'hiver.

Finally, when discussing someone's openness to ideas, art, or influence, the word réceptif (receptive) is a great substitute for the 'être sensible à' construction. If someone is 'réceptif à la musique', they are open to and appreciative of music.

Le public n'était pas très réceptif à ses blagues ce soir-là.

By integrating words like émotif, susceptible, délicat, vulnérable, and réceptif into your vocabulary, you will be able to navigate the complex landscape of French emotions and situations with the finesse of a native speaker, reserving sensible for exactly the right moments.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The English word 'sensible' originally meant 'sensitive' too! In the 14th century, English borrowed the word from French with its original meaning. Over centuries, the English meaning shifted to 'having good sense' or 'reasonable', while the French meaning stayed closer to the original Latin 'capable of feeling'. This historical divergence is what created the modern false friend trap.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɑ̃.sibl/

US /sɑ̃.sibl/

In French, the stress always falls slightly on the final pronounced syllable of a word or phrase. For 'sensible', the slight stress is on the 'sibl' part.

Rhymes With

cible visible invisible possible impossible lisible compréhensible terrible

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'en' like the English word 'pen'. It must be a nasal vowel /ɑ̃/.
Pronouncing the final 'e'. It is completely silent.
Pronouncing the 's' in the plural form 'sensibles'. The plural 's' is always silent unless there is a liaison.
Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'bite'. It should be a sharp 'ee' sound like in 'see'.
Adding an English 'r' sound at the end if followed by a vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read, but the challenge lies in correctly interpreting the meaning as 'sensitive' rather than 'sensible' when reading quickly.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering to place it after the noun and ensuring plural agreement. Also requires knowing the preposition 'à'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the nasal 'en' can be tricky for beginners. Remembering not to use it to mean 'reasonable' in spontaneous speech takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable due to its similarity to the English word, but context must be quickly processed to understand the true meaning.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

être très un sujet la peau les données

Learn Next

sensé susceptible émotif délicat vulnérable

Advanced

la susceptibilité l'empathie la confidentialité l'exégèse l'épistémologie

Grammar to Know

Adjective Placement: Most descriptive adjectives in French, including 'sensible', are placed immediately after the noun they modify.

Une peau sensible (A sensitive skin) - NOT Une sensible peau.

Adjective Agreement: Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun. 'Sensible' ends in 'e', so it is the same for masculine and feminine. Add 's' for plural.

Un garçon sensible, une fille sensible, des garçons sensibles, des filles sensibles.

Prepositions with Adjectives: To express what someone is sensitive TO, use the preposition 'à'.

Je suis sensible au froid. (I am sensitive to the cold).

Contractions with 'à': When 'à' is followed by 'le' or 'les', it contracts to 'au' or 'aux'.

Sensible au bruit (à + le bruit). Sensible aux critiques (à + les critiques).

False Friends (Cognates): Words that look the same in two languages but have different meanings. 'Sensible' is a classic example.

English 'sensible' = French 'sensé'. English 'sensitive' = French 'sensible'.

Examples by Level

J'ai la peau très sensible.

I have very sensitive skin.

Adjective 'sensible' placed after the noun 'peau'.

Il est un garçon sensible.

He is a sensitive boy.

Masculine singular form of the adjective.

Mes dents sont sensibles au froid.

My teeth are sensitive to the cold.

Plural form 'sensibles' agreeing with 'dents'.

Elle pleure, elle est sensible.

She is crying, she is sensitive.

Used as a predicate adjective after the verb 'être'.

C'est un enfant sensible.

He is a sensitive child.

Basic descriptive sentence structure.

Je suis sensible au soleil.

I am sensitive to the sun.

Using the preposition 'à' (contracted to 'au' with 'le').

Le chien est très sensible.

The dog is very sensitive.

Using the adverb 'très' to modify the adjective.

Mon estomac est sensible.

My stomach is sensitive.

Describing a physical condition.

Ce sujet est un peu sensible pour elle.

This topic is a bit sensitive for her.

Using 'un peu' to soften the adjective.

Nous avons des documents sensibles ici.

We have sensitive documents here.

Plural adjective modifying a plural noun.

Il ne faut pas parler de ça, c'est sensible.

We shouldn't talk about that, it's sensitive.

Used with the impersonal pronoun 'ce'.

Elle est très sensible à la critique.

She is very sensitive to criticism.

Using 'être sensible à' with an abstract noun.

Les chats sont sensibles aux bruits.

Cats are sensitive to noises.

Contraction 'aux' (à + les).

J'utilise un dentifrice pour dents sensibles.

I use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Common phrase found on consumer products.

C'est une zone sensible de la ville.

It is a sensitive area of the city.

Using sensible to describe a geographical location.

Pourquoi es-tu si sensible aujourd'hui ?

Why are you so sensitive today?

Used in an interrogative sentence.

Le gouvernement a abordé un dossier très sensible.

The government tackled a very sensitive file/issue.

Used in a political context.

Il faut être diplomate car la situation est sensible.

One must be diplomatic because the situation is sensitive.

Used to describe a delicate abstract situation.

Je n'étais pas conscient qu'elle était si sensible à ce sujet.

I wasn't aware that she was so sensitive about this topic.

Used in a complex sentence with an imperfect verb.

Ces informations sont considérées comme des données sensibles.

This information is considered sensitive data.

Standard terminology for data protection.

L'artiste est particulièrement sensible à la lumière du matin.

The artist is particularly sensitive to the morning light.

Describing artistic receptivity.

C'est un quartier dit sensible, avec beaucoup de chômage.

It's a so-called sensitive neighborhood, with a lot of unemployment.

Sociological use of the term.

Elle a une approche très sensible de la photographie.

She has a very sensitive approach to photography.

Describing a method or style.

Malgré son apparence dure, il cache un cœur sensible.

Despite his tough appearance, he hides a sensitive heart.

Contrasting appearance with emotional reality.

La protection des données personnelles et sensibles est une priorité absolue.

The protection of personal and sensitive data is an absolute priority.

Formal corporate or legal register.

Le journaliste a posé une question sensible qui a provoqué un malaise.

The journalist asked a sensitive question that caused discomfort.

Describing a provocative action.

Il est primordial d'adopter un ton adéquat lors de discussions sensibles.

It is essential to adopt an appropriate tone during sensitive discussions.

Using the adjective in a professional advice context.

L'écosystème de cette région est extrêmement sensible à la pollution.

The ecosystem of this region is extremely sensitive to pollution.

Scientific or environmental context.

Son interprétation de la sonate était d'une nature profondément sensible.

His interpretation of the sonata was of a deeply sensitive nature.

Advanced artistic critique.

Les négociations ont achoppé sur un point particulièrement sensible.

The negotiations stumbled on a particularly sensitive point.

Idiomatic usage in a business context.

Il s'agit d'un équipement de haute précision, très sensible aux vibrations.

This is high-precision equipment, very sensitive to vibrations.

Technical and engineering context.

La direction a géré cette crise sensible avec beaucoup de tact.

Management handled this sensitive crisis with a lot of tact.

Describing crisis management.

La transition énergétique est une thématique politiquement sensible qui clive l'opinion.

The energy transition is a politically sensitive theme that divides opinion.

Advanced political discourse.

L'auteur explore les méandres de l'âme humaine avec une plume d'une rare acuité sensible.

The author explores the twists and turns of the human soul with a pen of rare sensitive acuity.

Literary criticism register.

Le cryptage de bout en bout garantit l'intégrité des flux d'informations sensibles.

End-to-end encryption guarantees the integrity of sensitive information flows.

Highly technical cybersecurity terminology.

Il a su faire preuve d'une écoute sensible et bienveillante face à la détresse de ses collaborateurs.

He was able to show sensitive and benevolent listening in the face of his colleagues' distress.

Advanced HR and management vocabulary.

La diplomatie exige de louvoyer habilement autour des susceptibilités nationales les plus sensibles.

Diplomacy requires skillfully navigating around the most sensitive national susceptibilities.

Complex sentence structure with advanced vocabulary.

Cette pellicule photographique est particulièrement sensible aux variations hygrométriques.

This photographic film is particularly sensitive to hygrometric variations.

Specialized scientific/hobbyist terminology.

L'avocat a délibérément évité d'aborder les aspects les plus sensibles du dossier lors de sa plaidoirie.

The lawyer deliberately avoided addressing the most sensitive aspects of the case during his closing argument.

Legal register.

L'appréhension du monde sensible par les philosophes empiristes a révolutionné la pensée moderne.

The apprehension of the sensory world by empiricist philosophers revolutionized modern thought.

Philosophical usage referring to sensory perception.

L'exégèse de ce texte requiert une intelligence sensible capable d'en saisir les moindres nuances allusives.

The exegesis of this text requires a sensitive intelligence capable of grasping its slightest allusive nuances.

Highly academic and literary register.

La gestion de cette crise a mis en exergue la nature éminemment sensible des équilibres géopolitiques régionaux.

The management of this crisis highlighted the eminently sensitive nature of regional geopolitical balances.

Advanced geopolitical analysis.

Il s'est drapé dans une indifférence feinte pour masquer une corde sensible que la tragédie avait fait vibrer.

He draped himself in feigned indifference to mask a sensitive chord that the tragedy had struck.

Poetic and metaphorical usage (toucher la corde sensible).

La jurisprudence en la matière reste floue, s'agissant d'un domaine juridique particulièrement sensible et mouvant.

Jurisprudence on the matter remains vague, as it is a particularly sensitive and shifting legal domain.

Complex legal terminology.

L'architecture du bâtiment témoigne d'une approche sensible de l'intégration paysagère, refusant toute ostentation.

The building's architecture demonstrates a sensitive approach to landscape integration, refusing any ostentation.

Advanced architectural critique.

Les capteurs interférométriques d'une précision inouïe sont sensibles à des fluctuations gravitationnelles infimes.

Interferometric sensors of unprecedented precision are sensitive to minute gravitational fluctuations.

Advanced physics terminology.

La dialectique entre l'intelligible et le sensible demeure au cœur des débats épistémologiques contemporains.

The dialectic between the intelligible and the sensory remains at the heart of contemporary epistemological debates.

Deep philosophical discourse.

L'orchestration, d'une texture diaphane, révèle une écriture d'une rare acuité sensible chez ce jeune compositeur.

The orchestration, of a diaphanous texture, reveals writing of rare sensitive acuity in this young composer.

Advanced musicology critique.

Common Collocations

peau sensible

sujet sensible

données sensibles

quartier sensible

être sensible à

dents sensibles

corde sensible

point sensible

période sensible

extrêmement sensible

Common Phrases

Toucher la corde sensible

— To strike a chord or touch a sensitive spot emotionally. It means to evoke a strong emotional reaction, often pity or sympathy.

Son discours sur les orphelins a touché la corde sensible du public.

Un sujet sensible

— A sensitive topic. A subject of conversation that is likely to cause argument, offense, or discomfort.

La politique est un sujet sensible lors des repas de famille.

Des données sensibles

— Sensitive data. Information that must be protected from unauthorized access to safeguard privacy or security.

Les hôpitaux gèrent de nombreuses données sensibles.

Un quartier sensible

— A sensitive neighborhood. A euphemism for a disadvantaged urban area that may experience social unrest or higher crime rates.

Le gouvernement investit dans les quartiers sensibles.

Être sensible au froid

— To be sensitive to the cold. To feel the cold more intensely than average or to get sick easily from it.

Mets une écharpe, tu sais que tu es sensible au froid.

Une peau sensible

— Sensitive skin. Skin that easily reacts to cosmetics, weather, or touch, often becoming red or irritated.

Elle utilise un savon spécial pour sa peau sensible.

Un point sensible

— A sensitive point or sore spot. A specific issue or physical area that is particularly vulnerable or painful.

Le financement est le point sensible de ce projet.

Être sensible à l'art

— To be sensitive to art. To have a deep appreciation for and emotional reaction to artistic works.

Il est très sensible à l'art de la Renaissance.

Une âme sensible

— A sensitive soul. A poetic way to describe someone who is deeply emotional, empathetic, and easily moved.

C'est une âme sensible qui souffre de la cruauté du monde.

Sensible à la douleur

— Sensitive to pain. Having a low pain tolerance.

Le dentiste a fait une anesthésie car je suis très sensible à la douleur.

Often Confused With

sensible vs sensé

This is the French word that actually means 'sensible' (reasonable, practical) in English. It is the most common point of confusion.

sensible vs sensitif

English speakers often invent this word to mean 'sensitive'. In French, 'sensitif' exists but is strictly a medical term relating to the sensory nervous system.

sensible vs susceptible

Both relate to emotions, but 'susceptible' means touchy or easily offended (negative), while 'sensible' means sensitive or empathetic (neutral/positive).

Idioms & Expressions

"Toucher la corde sensible"

— To appeal to someone's deepest feelings or vulnerabilities, often to persuade them or evoke sympathy. Similar to 'striking a chord' in English.

La publicité pour l'association caritative a vraiment touché la corde sensible.

neutral

"Avoir les nerfs à fleur de peau"

— While not using the word 'sensible', this is the most common idiom to describe being in a highly sensitive, irritable, or emotional state. Literally 'to have nerves at the surface of the skin'.

Depuis son divorce, il a les nerfs à fleur de peau.

informal

"Être une petite nature"

— To be physically delicate or sensitive, often getting sick easily or complaining about minor discomforts. A bit derogatory.

Il a attrapé un rhume avec un coup de vent, c'est une petite nature.

informal

"Prendre la mouche"

— To take offense easily or suddenly become angry over a small thing. Describes the reaction of a 'susceptible' or overly 'sensible' person.

Dès qu'on lui fait une remarque, il prend la mouche.

informal

"Monter sur ses grands chevaux"

— To get on one's high horse, to react indignantly or defensively. Often the result of touching a 'sujet sensible'.

Inutile de monter sur tes grands chevaux, c'était juste une question.

informal

"Ménager la chèvre et le chou"

— To try to please two opposing sides in a delicate or sensitive situation. To navigate a 'situation sensible' carefully.

Le directeur essaie de ménager la chèvre et le chou dans ce conflit.

neutral

"Marcher sur des œufs"

— To walk on eggshells. To act very carefully to avoid upsetting someone who is sensitive or to avoid triggering a sensitive situation.

Quand je lui parle de son travail, j'ai l'impression de marcher sur des œufs.

neutral

"Avoir le cœur sur la main"

— To be very generous and kind-hearted. Often associated with people who are emotionally 'sensible' and empathetic.

Elle aide toujours les autres, elle a le cœur sur la main.

neutral

"Pleurer comme une madeleine"

— To cry profusely. Often describes the physical reaction of a highly 'sensible' person to a sad event or story.

Devant ce film romantique, elle a pleuré comme une madeleine.

informal

"Être à cran"

— To be on edge, highly stressed, and therefore overly sensitive to any annoyance or stimulus.

Avec les examens qui approchent, tous les étudiants sont à cran.

informal

Easily Confused

sensible vs sensé

It sounds similar to 'sensible' and translates to the English word 'sensible'.

'Sensé' means having good sense, reasonable, or logical. 'Sensible' means sensitive. If a decision is logical, it is 'sensée'. If a person cries easily, they are 'sensible'.

C'est une décision sensée. (It is a sensible decision.)

sensible vs susceptible

Both describe people who react strongly to things.

'Susceptible' specifically means someone who takes offense easily, gets defensive, or is touchy. It is a character flaw. 'Sensible' is broader, meaning someone who feels deeply, which is often a virtue.

Il est très susceptible, il se fâche pour un rien. (He is very touchy, he gets angry over nothing.)

sensible vs émotif

Both describe emotional people.

'Émotif' focuses purely on the outward display of emotions (crying, getting angry, blushing). 'Sensible' encompasses internal emotional depth as well as physical sensitivity (like sensitive skin), which 'émotif' does not.

Elle est très émotive pendant les mariages. (She is very emotional during weddings.)

sensible vs délicat

Both can describe difficult situations or topics.

'Délicat' emphasizes the need for care, tact, or precision to avoid breaking or ruining something. 'Sensible' emphasizes the potential for a strong, volatile reaction. They are often interchangeable for topics ('un sujet délicat/sensible').

C'est une situation délicate. (It is a delicate situation.)

sensible vs fragile

Both relate to vulnerability.

'Fragile' implies a high risk of breaking or being destroyed, often used for physical objects (glass) or very weak health. 'Sensible' implies a strong reaction to stimuli, but not necessarily breaking.

Attention, ce verre est fragile. (Careful, this glass is fragile.)

Sentence Patterns

Je suis sensible à [Noun].

Je suis sensible au froid.

C'est un sujet sensible pour [Person].

C'est un sujet sensible pour elle.

Il/Elle a la peau/l'estomac sensible.

Il a l'estomac très sensible.

Ce sont des données/informations sensibles.

Ce sont des données extrêmement sensibles.

Il faut aborder ce point sensible avec tact.

Il faut aborder ce point sensible avec beaucoup de tact.

Bien qu'il paraisse dur, il est en réalité très sensible.

Bien qu'il paraisse froid, il est en réalité très sensible.

La gestion de ce dossier sensible requiert...

La gestion de ce dossier sensible requiert une grande diplomatie.

Son œuvre témoigne d'une approche profondément sensible de...

Son œuvre témoigne d'une approche profondément sensible de la condition humaine.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High. It is in the top 2000 most frequently used words in the French language.

Common Mistakes

C'est une décision très sensible. → C'est une décision très sensée.
This is the classic false friend error. The speaker wants to say 'It's a very sensible decision'. In French, 'sensible' means sensitive. A decision cannot be sensitive. You must use 'sensée' (reasonable/logical).
Elle est très sensitive. → Elle est très sensible.
English speakers often try to invent the word 'sensitive' in French by saying 'sensitif' or 'sensitive'. While 'sensitif' exists as a medical term, it cannot be used for emotions. The correct word for sensitive is 'sensible'.
Je suis sensible pour le froid. → Je suis sensible au froid.
Learners often use the wrong preposition. To say you are sensitive TO something, you must use the preposition 'à' (which contracts with 'le' to become 'au'). Do not use 'pour' (for).
C'est un sensible sujet. → C'est un sujet sensible.
In French, the vast majority of descriptive adjectives, including 'sensible', must be placed AFTER the noun. Placing it before the noun sounds completely unnatural.
Ils sont très sensibls. → Ils sont très sensibles.
When making the adjective plural, you only add an 's'. You do not remove the 'e'. The spelling remains 'sensibles' and the 's' is silent.

Tips

The Ultimate False Friend

Never translate the English word 'sensible' (meaning practical/reasonable) to the French word 'sensible'. Always use 'sensé' or 'raisonnable' instead.

Adjective Placement

Always place 'sensible' AFTER the noun it modifies. Say 'un sujet sensible', never 'un sensible sujet'.

The Preposition 'À'

Memorize the chunk 'être sensible à' (to be sensitive to). Do not use 'pour' or 'sur' when linking the adjective to its trigger.

Nasal Vowel Mastery

Focus on the first syllable 'sen'. It must be a nasal /ɑ̃/ sound. Do not pronounce the 'n' like you would in English.

Pharmacy Vocabulary

If you have sensitive skin or teeth, look for the word 'sensible' on all French cosmetic and dental products.

News Vocabulary

When watching French news, 'un quartier sensible' means a troubled or disadvantaged neighborhood.

Corporate Jargon

In business or IT, 'données sensibles' is the standard translation for 'sensitive data'. Use it to sound professional.

Sensible vs. Susceptible

If someone cries at a movie, they are 'sensible'. If they get angry because you didn't say hello, they are 'susceptible'.

Touch the Sensitive Chord

Use the idiom 'toucher la corde sensible' to describe something that deeply moves you or evokes strong sympathy.

Feminine Form

Don't add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns. 'Sensible' already ends in 'e', so it stays exactly the same.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

To remember that 'sensible' means 'sensitive', think of the 's' in 'sensible' as standing for 'sensitive soul' or 'sensitive skin'. Imagine a person crying because they are a 'SENSItive soul' while holding a bottle of lotion for 'SENSItive skin'.

Visual Association

Visualize a bottle of French sunscreen or face cream. In your mind, clearly see the label reading 'Pour Peau Sensible' with a picture of a delicate feather next to it. The feather represents sensitivity and fragility.

Word Web

sensible peau (skin) sujet (topic) données (data) émotion (emotion) pleurer (to cry) froid (cold) délicat (delicate)

Challenge

Go to your bathroom and look at your cosmetic products (lotions, toothpaste, face wash). Try to find the word 'sensitive' on the English labels. Every time you see it, say out loud: 'En français, c'est sensible. Peau sensible. Dents sensibles.'

Word Origin

The word 'sensible' comes from the Late Latin word 'sensibilis', which means 'perceptible by the senses' or 'capable of feeling'. This Latin root is derived from 'sensus', meaning 'feeling' or 'sense', which itself comes from the verb 'sentire', meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive'. It entered Old French in the 13th century, initially maintaining its philosophical meaning related to the physical senses before evolving to encompass emotional sensitivity.

Original meaning: Capable of being perceived by the physical senses (touch, sight, hearing, etc.).

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French

Cultural Context

When using 'quartier sensible', be aware that it is a polite media euphemism. Using harsher words to describe these neighborhoods can be considered offensive or politically incorrect in polite French society.

English speakers often view 'sensitivity' as a potential weakness in professional environments. In France, while emotional outbursts are not professional, having a 'sensibilité' to human issues or artistic design is often praised in business, especially in luxury, fashion, and creative industries.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is translated into French as 'Raison et Sentiments', avoiding the word 'sensible' entirely to prevent confusion. The philosophical concept of 'le monde sensible' (the sensory world) is central to the works of French philosophers like Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Many classic French chansons (songs) revolve around the theme of the 'cœur sensible' (sensitive heart), such as works by Jacques Brel or Édith Piaf.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Pharmacy/Doctor

J'ai la peau sensible.
Avez-vous une crème pour peaux sensibles ?
Mes dents sont sensibles au froid.
J'ai l'estomac sensible.

Discussing Personality

C'est quelqu'un de très sensible.
Elle est sensible à la critique.
Il cache un cœur sensible.
Ne sois pas si sensible !

Business and IT

Ce sont des données sensibles.
L'accès aux informations sensibles est restreint.
C'est un dossier politiquement sensible.
Nous abordons un point sensible de la négociation.

Watching the News

La police est intervenue dans un quartier sensible.
Le gouvernement touche à un sujet sensible.
La situation diplomatique est très sensible.
Des documents sensibles ont été divulgués.

Art and Culture

Je suis très sensible à la musique classique.
Le film a touché ma corde sensible.
C'est une interprétation très sensible de l'œuvre.
Il a une âme d'artiste, très sensible.

Conversation Starters

"Es-tu plutôt quelqu'un de sensible ou de rationnel dans tes décisions ?"

"Quel est, selon toi, le sujet le plus sensible à aborder lors d'un premier rendez-vous ?"

"As-tu la peau sensible ? Quels produits utilises-tu en hiver ?"

"Penses-tu que les entreprises protègent suffisamment nos données sensibles sur internet ?"

"Es-tu sensible à l'art moderne, ou préfères-tu l'art classique ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une situation récente où tu as été particulièrement sensible à une remarque ou un événement.

Quels sont les sujets que tu considères comme 'sensibles' dans ta famille et pourquoi ?

Écris sur l'importance de protéger les données sensibles à l'ère du numérique.

Penses-tu que la société moderne accepte facilement les personnes très sensibles ? Explique.

Raconte une fois où une œuvre d'art (film, musique, livre) a touché ta corde sensible.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You must not use the word 'sensible'. Instead, use the word 'sensé' or 'raisonnable'. You should say 'C'est une décision sensée' or 'C'est une décision raisonnable'. Using 'sensible' here would mean the decision itself has feelings.

No, it does not. Because the masculine singular form of 'sensible' already ends in an 'e', the feminine singular form is exactly the same. You say 'un garçon sensible' and 'une fille sensible'.

Simply add an 's' to the end of the word. It becomes 'sensibles' for both masculine plural and feminine plural nouns. For example, 'des hommes sensibles' and 'des femmes sensibles'. The 's' is silent when spoken.

When you want to say you are sensitive TO something, use the preposition 'à'. For example, 'Je suis sensible au froid' (I am sensitive to the cold). Remember to contract 'à' with definite articles when necessary (au, aux).

Yes, absolutely. It is extremely common to use 'sensible' for physical sensitivity. You will see it on products for 'peau sensible' (sensitive skin) or 'dents sensibles' (sensitive teeth).

In French news and politics, 'un quartier sensible' is a polite term for a disadvantaged neighborhood that may have social problems, high unemployment, or higher crime rates. It literally means 'a sensitive neighborhood'.

Generally, no. It is usually a neutral or even positive observation that someone is empathetic, deep-feeling, or appreciative of art. However, if said with a sigh, it might imply the person is a bit too fragile or easily upset.

'Sensible' means sensitive in a broad, often positive way (empathetic, feeling deeply). 'Susceptible' means touchy, thin-skinned, or easily offended. 'Susceptible' is usually a mild criticism, whereas 'sensible' is not.

No. English speakers often make this mistake. In French, 'sensitif' is a highly specific medical or biological term relating to the sensory nervous system. It is never used to describe a person's emotions or a delicate topic.

It comes from the Latin word 'sensibilis', meaning capable of feeling or perceiving. Interestingly, the English word 'sensible' originally meant 'sensitive' too, but its meaning changed over the centuries, creating the false friend we have today.