fragile
/ˈfrædʒaɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfrædʒl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfra-jəl -ˌjī(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)
fragile — 形容詞
- fragilepositive
- fragilercomparative
- fragilestsuperlative
1. describes objects made of glass, ceramic, or similar materials that crack, snap,
易碎的
容易破裂或破損的
describes objects made of glass, ceramic, or similar materials that crack, snap, or shatter when hit, dropped, or handled roughly
The delivery box was marked '[[Fragile]] — Handle with Care' in bright red letters.
那個包裹上以紅色大字標示「易碎品 — 小心輕放」。
used on packaging and shipping labels
Adina carefully wrapped each [[fragile]] wine glass in several layers of newspaper before packing it.
Adina 小心地把每個易碎酒杯包上層層報紙之後才裝箱。
common objects: glass, dishes, electronics
The movers dropped a box of [[fragile]] ceramic bowls, and three of them cracked.
搬運工摔了一箱陶瓷碗，其中三個裂了。
Devika put the [[fragile]] porcelain doll on a high shelf where children could not reach it.
Devika 把那個易碎的瓷娃娃放在孩子們碰不到的高架上。
用法筆記
Often seen on shipping labels and packaging instructions. This sense is typically used with objects made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, thin plastic, or electronic components.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe a situation, system, or relationship that lacks stability and c
脆弱的
容易失敗或受損的（情勢、制度、關係）
used to describe a situation, system, or relationship that lacks stability and could be damaged, destroyed, or ended by a minor change or problem
The ceasefire between the two armies remained [[fragile]], with both sides accusing each other of small violations.
兩軍之間的停火協議仍然脆弱，雙方都指控對方有輕微違規行為。
collocation: fragile ceasefire / fragile peace
Minh warned investors that the country's economic recovery was still [[fragile]] and could be reversed by rising oil prices.
Minh 提醒投資人，該國的經濟復甦依然脆弱，油價上漲可能使其逆轉。
collocation: fragile economy / fragile recovery
After the argument, their friendship felt [[fragile]] — the slightest misunderstanding might end it for good.
那次爭吵之後，他們的友情變得脆弱——一個小小的誤會就可能徹底結束。
Astrid knew that the country's democracy was still [[fragile]] and could be ended by a military coup.
Astrid 知道該國的民主制度依然脆弱，一場軍事政變就可以推翻它。
- vulnerable
open to attack or harm; broader in scope and often implies a target rather than instability
- tenuous
so weak that it may disappear; more formal and less common than fragile
- unstable
likely to change or collapse suddenly; focuses on lack of balance rather than external threat
用法筆記
Subject is usually an abstract noun such as peace, economy, ceasefire, relationship, democracy, or alliance. Frequently used in news reports and political analysis.
常見錯誤
3. in a state of poor physical or emotional health, so that even minor stress, illn
虛弱的
身體或精神狀況不佳的
in a state of poor physical or emotional health, so that even minor stress, illness, or effort can cause harm or exhaustion
After three weeks in hospital, Felix's grandfather looked thin and [[fragile]], though his spirit remained strong.
在醫院待了三週之後，Felix 的祖父看起來又瘦又虛弱，不過精神依然很好。
collocation: thin and fragile
The doctor said Roya's [[fragile]] immune system meant she had to avoid crowded places during flu season.
醫生說 Roya 的免疫系統很虛弱，流感季節必須避免去人多的地方。
collocation: fragile immune system / fragile health
Obi had been emotionally [[fragile]] since losing his job, so his sister called him every evening to check in.
Obi 失業以來情緒一直很脆弱，所以他妹妹每天晚上打電話來關心。
Yan's grandmother became so [[fragile]] that a short walk to the shop exhausted her.
Yan 的祖母變得非常虛弱，走一小段路去商店就累壞了。
- frail
physically weak, especially due to age or illness; slightly more narrow than fragile
- delicate
easily affected by outside conditions; more about sensitivity than weakness
- vulnerable
open to being hurt physically or emotionally; broader and less tied to health status
用法筆記
Commonly collocates with health-related nouns — health, bones, immune system, mental state, emotional condition. Can describe both temporary illness and long-term vulnerability. Often implies the person needs special care or protection.
常見錯誤
4. feeling sick, weak, or exhausted the morning after consuming a lot of alcohol
宿醉的
因飲酒過量而感到不適的
feeling sick, weak, or exhausted the morning after consuming a lot of alcohol
After the New Year's party, Christopher woke up feeling rather [[fragile]] and could not face breakfast.
跨年派對之後，Christopher 醒來覺得很不舒服，完全吃不下早餐。
informal: feel fragile = hungover / unwell
Mauricio told his flatmate he was feeling a bit [[fragile]] and asked her to keep the noise down.
Mauricio 跟室友說他身體有點不舒服，請她別太吵。
pattern: a bit fragile / rather fragile
The whole office was quiet the morning after the staff dinner — everyone was too [[fragile]] to focus on spreadsheets.
員工聚餐隔天早上，整間辦公室都很安靜——每個人都難受得無法專心看報表。
Feng drank too much wine at the party and felt [[fragile]] for most of the next day.
Feng 在派對上喝太多酒，第二天大部分時間都覺得很不舒服。
用法筆記
Informal register, most common in British English. Almost always follows the verbs feel, look, or seem. The cause (alcohol or lack of sleep) is usually clear from context. Less common in American English, where hung over is more typical.
5. made of very light, thin material and often beautiful, but easily harmed or spoi
纖弱的
輕薄美麗但容易受損的
made of very light, thin material and often beautiful, but easily harmed or spoiled; also used of natural environments that are sensitive to change
Élise wore a necklace of [[fragile]] silver threads that shimmered like spiderwebs in the sunlight.
Élise 戴了一條纖細的銀鍊，在陽光下像蜘蛛網般閃閃發光。
collocation: fragile threads / fragile silver
The mountain wildflowers had [[fragile]] white petals that fell apart at the slightest touch.
那些高山野花的花瓣纖弱潔白，輕輕一碰就掉了。
collocation: fragile petals
The wetland is a [[fragile]] ecosystem where pollution or construction can destroy the habitat within months.
這片濕地是一個脆弱的生態系，污染或開發幾個月內就能摧毀棲息地。
A butterfly with [[fragile]] orange wings landed on a flower in the garden.
一隻有著纖弱橙色翅膀的蝴蝶降落在花園裡的花朵上。
用法筆記
Often carries a positive or admiring tone when describing crafted objects or natural beauty (fragile lace, fragile butterfly wings) and a protective or warning tone when describing natural environments (fragile ecosystem, fragile coral reef).