'Sensible' in English does not mean what 'sensible' means in Spanish.
Adjective. In English, 'sensible' means reasonable, wise, or practical. Describes someone with good judgment.
That is a very sensible decision.
Esa es una decisión muy sensata.
Wear sensible shoes for the hike.
Usa zapatos adecuados para la caminata.
She is a sensible woman who thinks before acting.
Ella es una mujer sensata que piensa antes de actuar.
Adjective. In English, 'sensitive' is the equivalent of Spanish 'sensible': emotionally responsive or easily affected.
She is very sensitive about her appearance.
Ella es muy sensible respecto a su apariencia.
He has sensitive skin that reacts to sunscreen.
Él tiene piel sensible que reacciona a los protectores solares.
This is a sensitive topic, so let's be careful.
Este es un tema sensible, así que tengamos cuidado.
Common mistake
Using 'sensible' when you mean emotionally responsive. In English, 'She is very sensible' means she is very WISE, not that she cries easily.
Trick to remember it
'Sensible' in English = wise, practical (it contains 'sense'). 'Sensitive' in English = emotionally reactive (closer to Spanish 'sensible'). 'Sensible' in Spanish is a false friend of English 'sensible'.
Quick rule
Meaning 'reasonable' or 'practical'? Use 'sensible'. Meaning 'emotionally reactive' or 'easily affected'? Use 'sensitive'.
Did you know?
Both languages inherited the word from Latin 'sensibilis' (capable of feeling). Spanish kept the emotional meaning while English shifted it toward 'having good sense'. This makes 'sensible' one of the most dangerous false friends between the two languages.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
That was a very _____ decision. You thought it through carefully.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Do not mention money around her. She is very _____ about finances.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Meaning 'reasonable' or 'practical'? Use 'sensible'. Meaning 'emotionally reactive' or 'easily affected'? Use 'sensitive'.
Using 'sensible' when you mean emotionally responsive. In English, 'She is very sensible' means she is very WISE, not that she cries easily.
'Sensible' in English = wise, practical (it contains 'sense'). 'Sensitive' in English = emotionally reactive (closer to Spanish 'sensible'). 'Sensible' in Spanish is a false friend of English 'sensible'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy