sutil
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “sutil” mean in English?
subtle — so delicate or precise as to be difficult to detect or describe
subtle — so delicate or precise as to be difficult to detect or describe (diferencia sutil, cambio sutil, matiz sutil)
Example sentences
Hay una diferencia sutil entre las dos versiones.
There is a subtle difference between the two versions.
Su crítica fue sutil pero efectiva.
Her criticism was subtle but effective.
Aprecia los matices sutiles del lenguaje.
He appreciates the subtle nuances of language.
How to use it
'Sutil' means subtle — fine, delicate, or not immediately obvious. Invariable for gender. Used with ser. Key collocations: 'diferencia sutil', 'mensaje sutil', 'toque sutil'. The noun is 'sutileza'. Stress falls on the final syllable: su-TIL.
Common mistake
Don't stress 'sutil' on the first syllable — it is su-TIL, not SU-til. Mispronunciation is a common error.