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B1 adjective #4,500 most common 9 min read

frágil

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips frágil in 30 Seconds

Explanation frágil in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn frágil as a basic descriptive word for physical objects. Think of things you handle every day that could break if you drop them. For example, a glass, a plate, or a small toy. At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar. Just remember that 'frágil' describes something that needs care. You will see this word on boxes when you move house or receive a delivery. It is an important safety word. If someone says 'Cuidado, é frágil!', they want you to be very careful. You can use it in simple sentences like 'O copo é frágil' (The glass is fragile) or 'A caixa é frágil' (The box is fragile). Notice that the word does not change for 'o' (masculine) or 'a' (feminine). This makes it easy to use! Just remember the pronunciation: the stress is on the 'FRA' part. Practice saying it out loud to get the rhythm right. It's a very useful word for shopping and household chores. If you go to a market in Portugal or Brazil, you might use it to describe delicate fruits or eggs. Even at the beginning of your journey, knowing 'frágil' helps you protect your belongings and understand basic warnings around you. It's one of those words that is almost the same as English, which gives you a great head start in building your vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you begin to use frágil beyond just physical objects. You can start describing people's health or simple emotional states in a basic way. For instance, you might say 'Minha avó está frágil' (My grandmother is fragile) to explain why she needs help walking. You also need to learn the plural form: frágeis. This is a common pattern for adjectives ending in '-il'. If you have two glasses, you say 'Os copos são frágeis'. At this level, you should also notice that 'frágil' is used with both 'ser' and 'estar'. Use 'ser' for things that are always fragile (like glass) and 'estar' for things that are temporarily fragile (like a person who is sick). This distinction is a key part of A2 Portuguese. You might also encounter it in simple news headlines or children's stories where a character might have a 'frágil' appearance. Start looking for this word in the world around you—on labels, in pharmacy descriptions, or when talking about the weather (like a 'frágil' sunlight through the clouds). It's a word that adds a layer of description to your basic sentences, making your Portuguese sound more natural. Don't forget the accent mark when writing; it's essential for the correct pronunciation and spelling.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using frágil in more abstract and social contexts. This is the level where you discuss emotions, relationships, and basic social issues. You might describe a 'frágil amizade' (fragile friendship) or a 'frágil acordo' (fragile agreement). You understand that 'frágil' doesn't just mean something will physically shatter, but that it is sensitive and requires careful management. You can also start using adverbs to modify the intensity, such as 'extremamente frágil' or 'um pouco frágil'. In B1, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, so you might use 'frágil' in subordinate clauses: 'Eu não comprei o vaso porque achei que era muito frágil' (I didn't buy the vase because I thought it was very fragile). You will also hear this word in discussions about the environment or the economy. For example, 'A situação econômica é frágil' is a common phrase in news reports. This level requires you to distinguish between 'frágil' and synonyms like 'fraco' or 'delicado'. You know that 'frágil' implies a structural vulnerability. Practice using it in your diary or when talking to friends about your feelings. It's a great word for expressing nuance and sensitivity in your conversations. You are now moving from the physical world into the world of ideas and feelings.

At the B2 level, frágil becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. you will use it to describe complex systems, political balances, and subtle character traits. You might read articles about the 'frágil equilíbrio ecológico' (fragile ecological balance) or the 'frágil estabilidade política' (fragile political stability) of a nation. At this level, you should be able to use the word in formal writing, such as essays or reports. You understand the metaphorical implications deeply—for instance, a 'frágil argumento' (fragile argument) is one that lacks solid evidence and can be easily debunked. You also start to recognize the word in literature and more advanced media. You might encounter the absolute superlative form 'fragílimo', although it is rare and mostly used for emphasis in formal or literary contexts. Your pluralization (frágeis) should be second nature by now. You can also use 'frágil' to describe the 'frágil tessitura' (fragile texture) of a poem or a piece of music. This level is about precision. You choose 'frágil' when you want to emphasize that something, though perhaps beautiful or complex, is at risk of falling apart. It’s a word that conveys a sense of urgency and the need for protection. Whether you are debating in a classroom or writing a business proposal, 'frágil' helps you highlight vulnerabilities with professional accuracy.

At the C1 level, you use frágil with a high degree of stylistic flexibility and precision. You are aware of its poetic resonances and its specific uses in various professional fields like law, psychology, and philosophy. You might discuss the 'frágil condição humana' (fragile human condition) or the 'frágil natureza da verdade' (fragile nature of truth) in a philosophical debate. You can use the word to create vivid imagery in your writing, perhaps describing a 'frágil esperança' (fragile hope) that flickers in the dark. At this level, you are also sensitive to the register of the word. You know that while it is a common word, its placement and the nouns it modifies can elevate the tone of your speech. For example, 'uma frágil existência' sounds more literary than 'uma vida difícil'. You are also proficient in using the word within complex idiomatic expressions or as part of sophisticated rhetorical devices. You can distinguish between the subtle nuances of 'frágil', 'tênue', and 'precário' without hesitation. Your understanding of the word is no longer just about its definition, but about its cultural and emotional weight in the Portuguese-speaking world. You might even use it ironically or sarcastically in sophisticated social interactions. At C1, 'frágil' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a brushstroke in the complex painting of your linguistic expression.

At the C2 level, your mastery of frágil is total. You understand its etymological roots from the Latin 'fragilis' and how that history informs its use in modern Portuguese and other Romance languages. You can use it in highly technical academic contexts, such as describing the 'frágil integridade estrutural' of a complex engineering project or the 'frágil homeostase' of a biological system. In literature, you appreciate how authors use 'frágil' to evoke specific moods or to symbolize larger themes of mortality and decay. You can manipulate the word's position in a sentence to achieve specific rhythmic or melodic effects in your prose or poetry. You are also aware of rare or archaic uses of the word that might appear in classical Portuguese literature. Your use of 'frágil' and its derivatives is flawless, and you can explain the nuances of the word to others with ease. You might engage in deep analysis of how 'frágil' is used in the lyrics of Fado or in the works of Fernando Pessoa to describe the soul. At this level, the word is an integral part of your vast linguistic repertoire, used with the same ease and precision as a native speaker. You don't just know the word; you feel its resonance across the entire spectrum of Portuguese culture and history. It is a testament to your profound connection with the language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

frágil in 30 Seconds

Frágil means fragile or easily broken, used for both physical objects and abstract concepts like health or politics.
The plural form is 'frágeis', and it does not change based on the gender of the noun.
It is a true cognate of the English word 'fragile', making it easy to remember but requires care with pronunciation.
Commonly used on shipping labels, in medical contexts, and to describe delicate emotional or systemic states.

The Portuguese word frágil is a versatile adjective that translates directly to 'fragile' in English, but its utility extends far beyond just physical objects that might break. At its core, it describes anything that is easily damaged, broken, or vulnerable. Whether you are talking about a delicate piece of 18th-century porcelain or the precarious state of a person's health, frágil is the go-to term. In a physical sense, it refers to materials like glass, crystal, or thin ceramic. However, in Portuguese culture and daily conversation, it is frequently employed to describe abstract concepts such as emotions, political stability, and economic conditions.

Physical Vulnerability: Used for objects that require careful handling. Example: 'Cuidado, este vidro é muito frágil' (Careful, this glass is very fragile).

Emotional and Health States: Describes a person who is currently in a weak state, either physically due to illness or emotionally due to trauma. Example: 'Ela está em um estado emocional frágil após a perda' (She is in a fragile emotional state after the loss).

A economia do país ainda é muito frágil para suportar novos impostos.

Understanding the nuance of frágil involves recognizing its breadth. It isn't just about 'breaking' but about 'susceptibility.' A 'frágil aliança' (fragile alliance) suggests that a single disagreement could dismantle the entire agreement. A 'saúde frágil' (fragile health) implies a constant need for care. In the business world, a 'frágil recuperação' (fragile recovery) indicates that growth is not yet solidified and could easily be reversed by market fluctuations.

O equilíbrio ecológico daquela região é extremamente frágil.

Metaphorical Usage: Used to describe arguments, theories, or excuses that lack strong evidence. Example: 'Esse argumento é muito frágil para convencer o juiz' (This argument is too weak/fragile to convince the judge).

As asas da borboleta são incrivelmente frágeis.

Não toque naquelas flores, elas são muito frágeis.

O idoso apresentava uma constituição física frágil.

In summary, frágil covers the spectrum from physical brittleness to psychological and systemic vulnerability, making it an essential adjective for nuanced Portuguese communication.

Using frágil correctly requires attention to its grammatical behavior and its placement relative to nouns. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies in standard Portuguese, though placing it before the noun can add a poetic or emphatic tone. One of the most important aspects for English speakers is the plural form. Unlike many Portuguese adjectives that simply add '-s', frágil changes to frágeis.

Singular vs. Plural: O objeto frágil (The fragile object) vs. Os objetos frágeis (The fragile objects). Notice the accent remains on the 'a' but the suffix changes.

Gender Invariance: The word does not change for masculine or feminine. 'O homem frágil' and 'A mulher frágil' are both correct.

As taças de cristal são extremamente frágeis.

In complex sentences, frágil can be modified by adverbs like 'extremamente', 'incrivelmente', or 'bastante'.

O sistema de segurança provou ser bastante frágil contra ataques cibernéticos.

Comparative and Superlative: More fragile: 'mais frágil'. Most fragile: 'o mais frágil' or 'fragílimo' (the absolute superlative, though 'muito frágil' is more common in speech).

Esta ponte é frágil demais para caminhões pesados.

A paz na região é um equilíbrio frágil que pode ser quebrado a qualquer momento.

O papel antigo era tão frágil que se desintegrou ao toque.

When writing, ensure that if you are listing multiple items, the adjective agrees with the plural: 'Documentos e fotos frágeis' (Fragile documents and photos). If you use it as a noun (though rare), it would be 'o frágil' (the fragile one), but it is almost exclusively used as an adjective. Mastery of frágil allows you to express sensitivity and structural weakness with precision.

In the real world, you will encounter frágil in several specific contexts. The most immediate is logistics and shipping. Just like 'Fragile' in English, Portuguese packages are often stamped with 'FRÁGIL' in large red letters to warn handlers.

Logistics and Commerce: Labels on boxes containing glass, electronics, or ceramics. 'Por favor, manuseie com cuidado, o conteúdo é frágil.'

Medical Settings: Doctors use it to describe patients with low immunity or brittle bones. 'O paciente está com a saúde muito frágil.'

A fita adesiva dizia 'FRÁGIL' em letras garrafais.

Beyond these, you will hear it in the news when discussing the environment. The 'ecossistema frágil' (fragile ecosystem) of the Amazon or the Pantanal is a frequent topic of conversation. In social contexts, people might describe a relationship as frágil after a fight, indicating that the trust has been damaged.

A situação política do país permanece frágil após os protestos.

Art and Museums: Curators use it to describe ancient manuscripts or delicate textiles. 'Esta tapeçaria é demasiado frágil para ser exposta à luz solar.'

Cuidado ao limpar a estante, as miniaturas são frágeis.

O idoso tem ossos frágeis e precisa evitar quedas.

A confiança entre eles tornou-se frágil com o tempo.

In literature and fado music (in Portugal), frágil often describes the human condition or the fleeting nature of love. Listening for it in these contexts will help you grasp its emotional weight.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using frágil is related to pluralization. Because English 'fragile' doesn't change, learners often say 'as coisas frágil' instead of the correct 'as coisas frágeis'. This is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake and can be easily avoided with practice.

The Plural Trap: Incorrect: 'Eles são frágils.' Correct: 'Eles são frágeis.' The '-il' to '-eis' transformation is specific and must be memorized.

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: 'Uma caixa frágila.' Correct: 'Uma caixa frágil.' The word is uniform, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.

Não diga 'vidros frágil', diga 'vidros frágeis'.

Another mistake is using frágil when fraco (weak) is more appropriate. While they are synonyms, frágil implies a quality of being easily broken, whereas fraco implies a lack of strength or power. You wouldn't call a weak coffee 'frágil'; you would call it 'fraco'. However, you could call a person's health either 'frágil' or 'fraca', with 'frágil' sounding more clinical or delicate.

O café está fraco (Correct), não frágil (Incorrect).

Spelling Errors: Forgetting the accent 'á'. In Portuguese, accents are not optional; they dictate pronunciation and meaning.

A estrutura do prédio é frágil, evite entrar.

As negociações estão em um ponto frágil.

Suas desculpas são frágeis e ninguém acredita nelas.

Finally, be careful with the word 'quebradadiço' (brittle). Use frágil for things that break easily but might be beautiful or complex, while 'quebradiço' is more technical and often used for hair, nails, or dry wood. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use frágil and when another word might fit better. Portuguese is rich in synonyms that offer different shades of meaning.

Delicado (Delicate): Often used for things that are fragile but in a beautiful or refined way. 'Uma flor delicada' suggests beauty, whereas 'Uma flor frágil' suggests it might die easily.

Débil (Weak/Feeble): More common in medical or health contexts. 'Luz débil' (faint light) or 'mente débil' (feeble mind).

O vidro é frágil, mas a renda é delicada.

Quebradiço (Brittle): Specifically for materials that snap or crumble. 'Unhas quebradiças' (brittle nails).

A economia está precária, não apenas frágil.

Ela tem uma saúde vulnerável a infecções.

O tecido é tenue e quase transparente.

O material é perecível e deve ser refrigerado.

Knowing these alternatives allows you to describe the world with more color. If you want to emphasize the risk of something breaking, use frágil. If you want to emphasize its beauty, use delicado. If you want to emphasize its lack of strength, use fraco or débil. This linguistic variety is what makes Portuguese such a beautiful and expressive language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A conjuntura política atual apresenta-se extremamente frágil."

Neutral

"O vidro é um material frágil."

Informal

"Cuidado com isso, é meio frágil."

Child friendly

"Segure o passarinho com cuidado, ele é frágil."

Slang

"Ih, ele é muito frágil, não aguenta uma brincadeira."

Fun Fact

The root 'frag-' comes from the Latin verb 'frangere', which means 'to break'. This is the same root for 'fracture', 'fragment', and 'fraction'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfɾa.ʒiɫ/

US /ˈfɾa.ʒiw/

First syllable (FRÁ-gil).

Rhymes With

ágil fácil hábil dócil grácil púbere fútil útil

Common Errors

Stressing the last syllable (fra-GIL).
Pronouncing the 'g' like a hard 'g' in 'go'.
Forgetting to tap the 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the accent and the unique plural form.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is simple but stress placement is key.

Listening 1/5

Clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

quebrar vidro saúde coisa cuidado

Learn Next

precário resistente vulnerável débil delicado

Advanced

fragilidade fragilizar efêmero tênue perecível

Grammar to Know

Plural of adjectives ending in -il

frágil -> frágeis, útil -> úteis

Adjectives uniform in gender

O homem frágil, a mulher frágil

Placement of adjectives

Um vaso frágil (standard), um frágil equilíbrio (emphatic)

Ser vs Estar with adjectives

Ele é frágil (inherent), ele está frágil (temporary)

Use of written accents

The accent on 'á' is mandatory to indicate stress.

Examples by Level

O copo é frágil.

The glass is fragile.

Simple adjective use.

A caixa é frágil.

The box is fragile.

Adjective stays same for feminine noun.

Cuidado, é frágil!

Careful, it is fragile!

Exclamatory use.

Este prato não é frágil.

This plate is not fragile.

Negative sentence.

O brinquedo é frágil.

The toy is fragile.

Masculine noun.

Ela tem um vaso frágil.

She has a fragile vase.

Adjective after the noun.

O vidro é frágil.

Glass is fragile.

General statement.

É um objeto frágil.

It is a fragile object.

Indefinite article.

Os copos são frágeis.

The glasses are fragile.

Plural form 'frágeis'.

Minha avó está um pouco frágil.

My grandmother is a bit fragile.

Use of 'estar' for temporary state.

Estas flores são muito frágeis.

These flowers are very fragile.

Plural feminine agreement.

O bebê parece frágil.

The baby seems fragile.

Verb 'parecer' (to seem).

Não toque, as asas são frágeis.

Don't touch, the wings are fragile.

Plural noun 'asas'.

A saúde dele é frágil.

His health is fragile.

Abstract noun 'saúde'.

Precisamos de caixas para itens frágeis.

We need boxes for fragile items.

Plural 'itens'.

O papel antigo é frágil.

The old paper is fragile.

Adjective with a modified noun.

Eles têm uma amizade frágil.

They have a fragile friendship.

Abstract social context.

O equilíbrio da natureza é frágil.

The balance of nature is fragile.

Environmental context.

A economia do país ainda é frágil.

The country's economy is still fragile.

Economic context.

Ela se sente frágil hoje.

She feels fragile today.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.

O acordo de paz é muito frágil.

The peace agreement is very fragile.

Political context.

Este argumento é frágil demais.

This argument is too fragile/weak.

Metaphorical use for logic.

A ponte é frágil para carros pesados.

The bridge is fragile for heavy cars.

Prepositional phrase 'para'.

Sua confiança é frágil no momento.

Your trust is fragile at the moment.

Possessive adjective 'sua'.

A estabilidade da região é extremamente frágil.

The region's stability is extremely fragile.

Use of intensifying adverb.

Encontramos um frágil equilíbrio entre as partes.

We found a fragile balance between the parties.

Adjective before the noun for emphasis.

O sistema imunológico dele está frágil.

His immune system is fragile.

Technical health context.

As provas contra ele são frágeis.

The evidence against him is fragile/weak.

Legal context.

A recuperação econômica continua frágil.

The economic recovery remains fragile.

Verb 'continuar' (to remain).

Trata-se de um ecossistema frágil e único.

It is a fragile and unique ecosystem.

Formal 'Trata-se de'.

A linha entre o sucesso e o fracasso é frágil.

The line between success and failure is fragile/thin.

Philosophical metaphor.

O autor descreve uma infância frágil.

The author describes a fragile childhood.

Literary analysis.

A frágil tessitura social foi posta à prova.

The fragile social fabric was put to the test.

High-level literary noun 'tessitura'.

Sua saúde, já frágil, deteriorou-se rapidamente.

His health, already fragile, deteriorated rapidly.

Appositive phrase.

O texto revela a frágil natureza da memória.

The text reveals the fragile nature of memory.

Abstract philosophical theme.

As alianças políticas mostraram-se mais frágeis do que o esperado.

The political alliances proved to be more fragile than expected.

Comparative structure.

Havia uma frágil esperança em seus olhos.

There was a fragile hope in his eyes.

Poetic usage.

A democracia é uma construção frágil que exige vigilância.

Democracy is a fragile construction that requires vigilance.

Political philosophy.

O equilíbrio térmico do planeta é extremamente frágil.

The planet's thermal balance is extremely fragile.

Scientific context.

Ela lidava com a situação com uma frágil serenidade.

She handled the situation with a fragile serenity.

Oxymoronic/nuanced description.

A ontologia do ser revela-se frágil perante a finitude.

The ontology of being reveals itself as fragile before finitude.

Highly academic/philosophical.

A obra capta a frágil efemeridade da vida urbana.

The work captures the fragile ephemerality of urban life.

Art criticism terminology.

Sua argumentação, conquanto brilhante, é logicamente frágil.

His argument, although brilliant, is logically fragile.

Use of 'conquanto' (although).

A frágil integridade do manuscrito impede o seu manuseio.

The fragile integrity of the manuscript prevents its handling.

Technical archival context.

O poema explora a frágil fronteira entre o sonho e a realidade.

The poem explores the fragile border between dream and reality.

Literary theory.

A homeostase do sistema é mantida por um frágil mecanismo de feedback.

The system's homeostasis is maintained by a fragile feedback mechanism.

Scientific precision.

A frágil condição do pacto federativo gera tensões constantes.

The fragile condition of the federative pact generates constant tensions.

Constitutional law context.

O fado canta a frágil alma lusitana.

Fado sings the fragile Lusitanian soul.

Cultural/National identity context.

Common Collocations

saúde frágil

equilíbrio frágil

material frágil

estado frágil

economia frágil

vidro frágil

argumento frágil

sistema frágil

aliança frágil

criança frágil

Common Phrases

Conteúdo frágil

— Used on packages to indicate delicate items inside.

A etiqueta dizia 'Conteúdo Frágil'.

Saúde muito frágil

— Describes someone in a very weak physical state.

Após a cirurgia, ele ficou com a saúde muito frágil.

Paz frágil

— A situation where peace could easily be broken.

Vivemos em uma paz frágil.

Estrutura frágil

— A building or object that is not sturdy.

A estrutura da casa é frágil.

Mente frágil

— Someone who is easily influenced or emotionally unstable.

Ele tem uma mente frágil e se magoa fácil.

Equilíbrio frágil

— A delicate balance between two things.

Manter o equilíbrio frágil da floresta é difícil.

Economia frágil

— An economy that is susceptible to crisis.

A economia frágil do país preocupa os investidores.

Voz frágil

— A weak or trembling voice.

Ela respondeu com uma voz frágil.

Constituição frágil

— A person's naturally weak physical build.

Sempre teve uma constituição frágil.

Beleza frágil

— A delicate or fleeting type of beauty.

As flores têm uma beleza frágil.

Often Confused With

frágil vs fraco

Fraco means weak (lack of strength), while frágil means easily broken (structural vulnerability).

frágil vs delicado

Delicado usually implies beauty or refinement, whereas frágil focuses on the risk of damage.

frágil vs quebradiço

Quebradiço is more technical and refers specifically to things that snap easily, like nails.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pisar em ovos"

— To act with great caution in a fragile situation.

Com o chefe irritado, todos estão pisando em ovos.

Informal

"Por um fio"

— To be in a very precarious or fragile state.

A vida dele está por um fio.

Neutral

"Castelo de cartas"

— Something very fragile that can easily collapse.

O plano dele era um castelo de cartas.

Metaphorical

"Vidro temperado"

— Used metaphorically to describe someone who seems tough but is fragile.

Ele parece forte, mas é como vidro temperado.

Informal

"Coração de cristal"

— Someone very sensitive and emotionally fragile.

Ela tem um coração de cristal.

Poetic

"Equilibrar-se na corda bamba"

— To be in a fragile and risky situation.

O governo está se equilibrando na corda bamba.

Neutral

"Feito de açúcar"

— Someone who is considered overly fragile or sensitive (often used jokingly).

Não saia na chuva, você não é feito de açúcar!

Informal

"Mãos de manteiga"

— Someone who drops fragile things easily.

Cuidado com o vaso, mãos de manteiga!

Slang/Informal

"Andar sobre gelo fino"

— To be in a very fragile and dangerous situation.

Você está andando sobre gelo fino com essas mentiras.

Neutral

"Fio da navalha"

— A very thin and fragile line between two states.

Ele vive no fio da navalha.

Neutral

Easily Confused

frágil vs fácil

Sounds similar in rhythm.

Fácil means easy; frágil means fragile.

A prova foi fácil, mas o papel era frágil.

frágil vs ágil

Rhymes with frágil.

Ágil means agile or quick; frágil means breakable.

O atleta é ágil, mas seus ossos são frágeis.

frágil vs fútil

Similar ending and rhythm.

Fútil means futile or superficial; frágil means breakable.

É fútil tentar consertar algo tão frágil.

frágil vs útil

Similar ending.

Útil means useful; frágil means breakable.

Este objeto é útil, embora seja frágil.

frágil vs dócil

Similar ending.

Dócil means docile or gentle; frágil means breakable.

O animal é dócil e tem uma saúde frágil.

Sentence Patterns

O [Noun] é frágil.

O copo é frágil.

Os [Noun] são frágeis.

Os pratos são frágeis.

Eu me sinto [Adverb] frágil.

Eu me sinto um pouco frágil.

É um equilíbrio frágil entre [X] e [Y].

É um equilíbrio frágil entre trabalho e vida.

A situação continua [Adverb] frágil.

A situação continua extremamente frágil.

Trata-se de uma frágil [Noun].

Trata-se de uma frágil aliança.

A despeito de sua frágil [Noun]...

A despeito de sua frágil saúde, ele viajou.

[Noun], conquanto frágil, [Verb]...

A estrutura, conquanto frágil, resistiu ao vento.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

As coisas frágil. → As coisas frágeis.
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun. The plural of frágil is frágeis.
Uma mesa frágila. → Uma mesa frágil.
Frágil is a uniform adjective; it does not change for gender.
O café está frágil. → O café está fraco.
Use 'fraco' for lack of strength in liquids or people; 'frágil' is for things that break.
Pronouncing it as 'fra-GIL'. → Pronouncing it as 'FRÁ-gil'.
The stress is on the first syllable because of the acute accent.
Eles são frágils. → Eles são frágeis.
The plural suffix for -il is -eis, not -ils.

Tips

Plural Rule

Always remember that words ending in -il change to -eis in the plural. This applies to frágil (frágeis), útil (úteis), and fácil (fáceis).

Stress the Start

The accent on the 'á' tells you exactly where to put the stress. Don't say 'fra-GIL'; say 'FRÁ-gil'.

Cognate Advantage

Use the fact that it's a cognate to your advantage, but don't let it make you lazy with the Portuguese grammar rules!

Shipping Labels

If you see 'FRÁGIL' on a box, it's a great real-world reminder of the word. Look for it next time you get a delivery.

Sensitivity

When describing feelings, 'frágil' is a very powerful and nuanced word. Use it to show deep empathy.

Medical Use

In medical contexts, 'frágil' is more professional than 'fraco'. Use it when discussing health with doctors.

Accentuation

Never skip the accent. In Portuguese, omitting an accent is a major spelling error that can change how a word is read.

Debating

In a debate, calling an opponent's point 'frágil' is a polite but firm way to say their logic is flawed.

Environmentalism

Use 'ecossistema frágil' when talking about nature. It's the standard term in Portuguese news and science.

Frágil vs Delicado

Choose 'delicado' for beauty and 'frágil' for risk of breakage. This distinction will make you sound like a pro.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Fragile' label on a box. In Portuguese, it's almost the same, just add an accent on the 'a' to make it 'FRÁ-gil'.

Visual Association

Imagine a glass heart. It is beautiful but 'frágil'. If it falls, it breaks into 'frágeis' pieces.

Word Web

vidro cristal saúde equilíbrio cuidado quebrar delicado vulnerável

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'frágeis' and name them in Portuguese.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'fragilis', which means 'easily broken'.

Original meaning: Brittle, breakable, frail.

Romance (Italic)

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a person 'frágil' directly; it can be seen as patronizing or insulting depending on the tone.

The word is a direct cognate, so English speakers usually understand the meaning immediately, but they often struggle with the plural 'frágeis'.

A música 'Frágil' de Jorge Palma (Portugal). O conceito de 'Modernidade Líquida' de Zygmunt Bauman (often discussed in Portuguese academic circles as 'frágil'). Labels on international shipping boxes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shipping/Logistics

Conteúdo frágil
Manuseie com cuidado
Lado para cima
Não empilhar

Healthcare

Saúde frágil
Paciente debilitado
Ossos frágeis
Estado crítico

Politics/Economy

Equilíbrio frágil
Economia instável
Acordo precário
Democracia frágil

Emotions

Estado emocional
Sentir-se frágil
Mente sensível
Coração frágil

Environment

Ecossistema frágil
Natureza delicada
Preservação necessária
Espécies vulneráveis

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que a paz mundial é um equilíbrio frágil atualmente?"

"Qual é o objeto mais frágil que você tem na sua casa?"

"Você já se sentiu emocionalmente frágil depois de ver um filme?"

"Como podemos proteger os ecossistemas mais frágeis do planeta?"

"Você acha que os jovens de hoje são mais frágeis do que as gerações passadas?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você se sentiu frágil e como você superou essa sensação.

Escreva sobre um objeto frágil que tem um grande valor sentimental para você.

Reflexão: Por que as coisas mais bonitas na natureza costumam ser as mais frágeis?

Analise a situação política ou econômica do seu país usando a palavra 'frágil'.

Como a tecnologia tornou nossa privacidade mais frágil nos dias de hoje?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, frágil is a uniform adjective. You say 'o homem frágil' and 'a mulher frágil'. It only changes for plural: 'frágeis'.

The 'g' sounds like the 's' in the English word 'measure' or 'pleasure'. It is a soft 'zh' sound.

The plural is 'frágeis'. The '-il' changes to '-eis', and the accent remains on the 'á'.

Yes, it can describe someone's physical health (saúde frágil) or their emotional state (estado emocional frágil).

Yes, it is used identically in both Brazil and Portugal, though the final 'l' pronunciation differs slightly.

Frágil implies something will break; fraco implies something lacks power. You have 'fraco' coffee, but 'frágil' glass.

The accent is on the first syllable: 'frágil'. It is an acute accent on the 'a'.

It is a neutral word. It can be used in everyday conversation, on shipping boxes, or in formal academic writing.

Yes, a 'frágil argumento' is one that is not well-supported and can be easily defeated.

Some common synonyms include delicado, quebradiço, débil, and vulnerável.