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March 24, 2026
敏感mǐngǎn(min3gan3)
The term 敏感 (mǐn gǎn) means 'sensitive' or 'susceptible.' It is commonly used to describe a person's emotional sensitivity or physical susceptibility to stimuli, such as allergies. The word can also refer to topics that are delicate or require careful handling.
Frequency#2963DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being sensitive can be viewed both positively and negatively; it can reflect empathy but also vulnerability. Discussions around sensitive topics, such as politics or personal matters, often require a nuanced approach.
Memory Tip
Picture a 'mini' (敏) 'sensitive' (感) person who reacts strongly to situations. The character 敏 resembles 'mini' with its sharp edges, hinting at a small but strong reaction to stimuli. Imagine a tiny, delicate flower that wilts at the slightest touch – this represents sensitivity.
Meanings of 敏感
mǐngǎn(min3gan3)
1sensitive
2susceptible
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 敏感
敏感Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2963Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 敏感
Podcast: 敏感
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AI Study Notes for 敏感
Quick Contrast
敏感 (sensitive) vs 脆弱 (fragile) — use 敏感 for emotional or situational sensitivity, while 脆弱 refers to physical weakness or vulnerability.
Memory Mnemonic
Picture a 'mini' (敏) 'sensitive' (感) person who reacts strongly to situations. The character 敏 resembles 'mini' with its sharp edges, hinting at a small but strong reaction to stimuli. Imagine a tiny, delicate flower that wilts at the slightest touch – this represents sensitivity.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 敏感 in overly casual conversations, as it can imply a level of emotional vulnerability. Common collocations include 敏感话题 (sensitive topics) and 敏感肌肤 (sensitive skin). Be cautious with tone; mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 敏感 connects with other adjectives describing emotions and physical states. Focus on using it in context with phrases related to feelings or health. Practice forming sentences to enhance your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being sensitive can be viewed both positively and negatively; it can reflect empathy but also vulnerability. Discussions around sensitive topics, such as politics or personal matters, often require a nuanced approach.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 敏感 with the word '敏捷' (mǐn jié), which means 'agile.' For example, saying '他很敏感' (tā hěn mǐn jié) instead of '他很敏感' (tā hěn mǐn gǎn) changes the meaning to 'He is very agile' instead of 'He is very sensitive.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 敏感
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Grammar Patterns of 敏感
敏感 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他是个____的小伙子，有些批评刺痛了他。
He's a sensitive lad and some of the criticism has stung him.
Example Sentences for 敏感 (10)
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1
他是个敏感的小伙子，有些批评刺痛了他。
tā shì gè mǐn gǎn de xiǎo huǒ zǐ， ， yǒu xiē pī píng cì tòng le。
He's a sensitive lad and some of the criticism has stung him.
2
敏感肌肤专用面霜不会破坏皮肤表面的保护层。
mǐn gǎn jī fū zhuān yòng miàn shuāng bù huì pò huài pí fū biǎo miàn de bǎo hù céng。
Sensitive Cream will not strip away the skin's protective layer.
3
严肃、严谨、倔强的他同时又冷漠、多疑、敏感、不会变通。
yán sù、 、 yán、 jǐn 、 jué qiáng de tā tóng shí yòu、 lěng mò、 、 duō、 yí 、 mǐn gǎn。
Formal, exact and obstinate, he was also cold, suspicious, touchy and tactless.
4
谢纳托罗娃女士对市场经济学有一种天生的敏感。
xiè nà tuō luó wá nǚ shì duì shì cháng jīng jì xué yǒu yī zhǒng tiān shēng de mǐn gǎn。
Ms Senatorova showed an instinctive feel for market economics.
"You're too sensitive." — "Too sensitive for whom?"
10
我们当中的一些人对气味很敏感，而其他一些人则更容易记住颜色。
wǒ mén dāng zhōng de yī xiē rén duì qì wèi hěn mǐn gǎn， ， ér qí tā yī xiē rén zé gēng róng yì jì zhù yán。
Some of us are sensitive to smells, others find colours easier to remember.
Cultural Notes for 敏感
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being sensitive can be viewed both positively and negatively; it can reflect empathy but also vulnerability. Discussions around sensitive topics, such as politics or personal matters, often require a nuanced approach.
Frequently Asked Questions about 敏感
Yes, 敏感 often refers to a person's emotional sensitivity.
Common collocations include 敏感话题 (sensitive topics) and 敏感肌肤 (sensitive skin).
Not necessarily; it can describe positive sensitivity, such as being empathetic.
