sensual / sensory
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sensory
Related to the senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) and often connected with pleasure and aesthetic perception.
Der Duft von frischem Brot ist für mich ein sehr sinnliches Erlebnis.
The smell of fresh bread is a very sensory experience for me.
sensual
Having a strong physical or erotic appeal; oriented toward sexual attraction and physical desire.
Sie tanzte mit langsamen, sinnlichen Bewegungen zur Musik.
She danced to the music with slow, sensual movements.
sensory
In philosophy: related to perception through the senses, as opposed to reason or mind.
Kant unterscheidet zwischen der sinnlichen Anschauung und den reinen Verstandesbegriffen.
Kant distinguishes between sensory intuition and pure concepts of the understanding.
The adjective 'sinnlich' (sensual/sensory) is derived from the noun 'der Sinn' (sense). It describes things that are perceived with the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).
Die Ausstellung war eine sehr sinnliche Erfahrung für Augen und Ohren.
The exhibition was a very sensory experience for the eyes and ears.
In its basic meaning, 'sinnlich' (sensory) is often connected with positive perceptions. Common combinations are 'eine sinnliche Erfahrung' (a sensory experience), 'ein sinnlicher Genuss' (a sensory pleasure), or 'sinnliches Vergnügen' (sensory enjoyment).
Für den Koch ist die Zubereitung von Speisen ein sinnlicher Genuss.
For the cook, preparing food is a sensory pleasure.
You can recognize the erotic meaning from context. If 'sinnlich' (sensual) refers to a person, their movements, or their appearance, the physically attractive meaning is usually intended. If it refers to an experience (e.g. with food or art), the general sensory perception is meant.
Der Schauspieler ist für seine sinnliche Ausstrahlung bekannt.
The actor is known for his sensual charisma.
The meaning 'related to sensory perception' is used mainly in philosophy and psychology. There, 'sinnlich' (sensory) often stands in contrast to 'geistig' (mental/spiritual), 'rational' (rational), or 'intellektuell' (intellectual).
In der philosophischen Debatte ging es um die Grenzen der sinnlichen Erkenntnis.
The philosophical debate was about the limits of sensory knowledge.
sexy
Sexy directly judges a person or thing as sexually attractive. Sinnlich tends to describe a physical or erotic aura that arises, for example, through someone's voice, gaze, or movements. Sexy is the better choice for an immediate judgment, while sinnlich focuses more on the nature of the aura.
Durch ihre langsamen Bewegungen wirkt die Tänzerin sinnlich.
The dancer's slow movements make her look sensual.
In dieser Szene wirkt die Tänzerin sexy.
The dancer looks sexy in this scene.
