Translation guide
The English word 'ticklish' can describe a physical sensitivity to being tickled, a situation requiring careful handling, or a person who is easily offended. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a person or body part that reacts strongly to being tickled.
The most common and direct adjective for 'ticklish'. Used for both people and body parts.
私はくすぐったい。
I'm ticklish.
脇の下がくすぐったい。
My armpits are ticklish.
A noun describing a person who is very ticklish. Often used to talk about someone's trait.
彼はくすぐったがりだ。
He is very ticklish.
Describing a problem, topic, or situation that is sensitive and must be dealt with carefully.
Means 'delicate' or 'sensitive'. Commonly used for situations that are tricky to navigate.
それは微妙な問題だ。
That's a ticklish issue.
Loanword from English, often used for sensitive matters or people.
Literally 'hard to handle'. Can describe a ticklish situation or person.
扱いにくい状況だ。
It's a ticklish situation.
Describing a person who is quick to take offense or is sensitive about certain topics.
Means 'quick to anger' or 'touchy'. Suitable for a ticklish temper.
彼は怒りっぽいから気をつけて。
He's ticklish about criticism, so be careful.
Literally 'easily concerned'. Describes someone who takes things to heart.
彼は小さなことでも気にしやすい。
He's ticklish about even small things.
デリケートな話題だから気をつけて。
It's a ticklish topic, so be careful.
Means 'nervous' or 'sensitive'. Can describe someone who is easily upset.
彼女はその話になると神経質になる。
She gets ticklish when that topic comes up.