二者当“易坏的,易碎的,脆弱的,易损坏”的意象时几乎没什么区别,可以通用;但二者还有其它意思上的区别:
delicate:
a delicate problem/operation 微妙的问题/精细的手术
2.sb is hurt easily or easily becomes ill [人]纤弱的,娇弱的;a delicate child/constitution 纤弱的孩子/体质
3.【有关人的器官等】纤细的,娇嫩的;
her delicate hands她纤细的双手
The eye is one of the most delicate organs of the body. 最娇贵的器官之一
delicate skin/flowers娇嫩的皮肤
4.精巧的,精致的,精美的;
the delicate mechanisms of a clock.钟的精密机件
5.[味道、气味或颜色]柔和的,清淡的,淡雅的
A delicate fragrance/flavor/watercolors 清香/鲜美味道/柔和的水彩
6.easily damaged or broken 易碎的
the delicate china teacups
fragile:
1.(花瓶等)易碎的,易损的:fragile china/glass/bones 2.weak or likely to become ill [人]瘦弱的,弱不经风的 In fragile health健康不佳
3.【英】[尤指喝太多酒后]有气无力的;精神不振的(not well) I·m feeling a bit fragile after last night (perhaps because of drinking too much alcohol).
4.weak and uncertain;easily destroyed or spoilt 不牢固的,脆弱的(抽象事物): a fragile alliance/relationship/economy 5.delicate and nice纤巧美丽的
Her fragile face broke into a smile. 嫣然一笑