jautrus

Jautrus is a Lithuanian adjective meaning sensitive, perceptive, or easily affected by stimuli. It is used to describe people who are emotionally empathetic or easily moved, as well as sensory or perceptual capabilities—such as a person with keen hearing or someone with delicate skin. Common phrases include 'jautrus žmogus' (a sensitive person) and 'jautri oda' (sensitive skin). The noun 'jautrumas' denotes sensitivity or responsiveness, and the adverb 'jautriai' means sensitively.

Etymology: The word is derived from the Lithuanian verb 'jausti' (to feel); the base 'jautr-' carries the sense of heightened responsiveness and delicacy, a pattern seen in related forms in the language.

Related terms and cognates: The concept is parallel to Latvian 'jūtīgs' (sensitive). In English, 'jautrus' is commonly translated as 'sensitive' or 'keen.'

Usage notes: In neutral contexts, 'jautrus' simply signals heightened perception or feeling. The tone shifts with context; it can describe compassionate sensitivity, but does not imply weakness. When describing technical or biological sensitivity, more specific terms such as 'jautrumas' (sensitivity level) may be used.