känsligt

Känsligt is the neuter singular form of the Swedish adjective känslig and is used to describe something that is easily affected by feelings, requires tact, or is delicate to handle. In practice, it covers both emotional sensitivity in people and delicate or potentially controversial matters, topics, or conditions.

Etymology and form: The word derives from the noun känsla (feeling) with the suffix -lig, yielding an adjective meaning sensitive or delicate. The base adjective känslig has corresponding forms for other gender nouns, such as en känslig person and ett känsligt ämne. Det är känsligt is a common predicative use, while attributive use often appears as ett känsligt ämne or en känslig person.

Usage: Känsligt is frequently used in two main senses. First, about people or moods: en känslig person may react strongly to criticism or emotional stimuli. Second, about topics, situations, or information: ett känsligt ämne refers to a subject that demands tact or discretion, and känsliga uppgifter or känslig information describe data that require careful handling, often due to privacy or security concerns. The term may also describe a delicate or fragile physical state in a broader sense, though in many contexts better words like delikat or ömtåligt are used.

Related terms and nuance: Synonyms include känslig (same base) and delikat, while antonyms include okänslig or oädel? not common; more typical opposites refer to insensitivity or bluntness. In formal or policy contexts, “känsliga uppgifter” is a standard phrase for sensitive data, including personal information protected by privacy regulations.