ömtåliga

Ömtåliga is a Swedish adjective used to describe something that is easily damaged or broken and thus requires careful handling. The term is commonly applied to physical objects such as glass, porcelain, cameras, or electronics, but it can also be used metaphorically about people or situations that are emotionally or socially fragile.

Ömtålig is a compound of öm and tålig. Öm means tender, sensitive, or sore, while tålig means able to endure or withstand. Combined, they convey a sense of fragility and susceptibility to damage, suggesting that special care is needed to avoid harm.

Usage examples include: “Det här glaset är ömtåligt och får inte tappas.” (This glass is delicate and must not be dropped.) “Hon är ömtålig när det gäller kritik.” (She is sensitive/easily hurt by criticism.) The term is most often used for physical fragility, but it can also describe delicate social or emotional contexts.

Synonyms and related terms include skör, känslig, and sårbar in certain contexts, while antonyms are tålig, robust, and hållbar. The noun form is ömtålighet, referring to fragility or delicacy in general.

See also: skörhet, ömtålighet, känslighet.