Spanish Conversation · Level 35
75 words
Spanish word
sutil
Pronunciation
IPA/suˈtil/
Meaning
- adjectivesubtle
Example
Hay un sutil cambio en el color.
There is a subtle change in the color.
More examples
Noté un sutil aroma de limón en la salsa.
I noticed a faint lemon aroma in the sauce.
Core concept
A barely noticeable change in color.
Common phrases
tono sutil
faint tone
matiz sutil
faint nuance
aroma sutil
faint aroma
Similar words
suave: Displays a smooth, mild demeanor or voice that comes across as pleasant and calm.
discreto: Observes decorum and tact, keeping conduct low-key and sensitive to context.
reservado: Keeps thoughts and feelings to oneself, showing quiet reserve and privacy.
Definition in Spanish
Que actúa o se muestra con delicadeza y discreción, de modo que su efecto o intención no resulta obvio.
Word origin
From Latin subtilis 'finely made or delicate', whose sense in Romance languages shifted to denote something delicate and hardly noticeable.
Usage tips
- About a person or action, sutil suggests discreet, gently influential behavior rather than outright cunning, so it does not always match astuto.