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sutil means subtle — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 18, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

sutil

adjective • /[soo-TEEL]/

subtle

Example:

Su sonrisa fue sutil pero real.

Her smile was subtle but real.

🧠 What does sutil mean?

Sutil is an adjective that describes something as delicate, fine, or difficult to perceive or understand. It can refer to physical characteristics, such as a subtle color, flavor, or scent, that are not strong or immediately obvious. It is also used to describe abstract concepts, like a subtle difference, a clever argument, or a nuanced hint, which require careful attention or intelligence to notice. In essence, anything described as 'sutil' is the opposite of being direct, obvious, or coarse.

📚 Extra examples

  • El vino tenía un sabor sutil a roble y vainilla.
    The wine had a subtle flavor of oak and vanilla.
  • Noté un cambio sutil en su comportamiento después de la conversación.
    I noticed a subtle change in her behavior after the conversation.
  • La iluminación sutil creaba una atmósfera muy romántica.
    The subtle lighting created a very romantic atmosphere.
  • Su crítica fue sutil, pero muy efectiva.
    His criticism was subtle, but very effective.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'sutil' comes from the Latin 'subtīlis,' which meant 'finely woven,' derived from 'sub' (under) and 'tela' (web, cloth). This origin beautifully captures the modern meaning of something delicate, intricate, or not immediately apparent, much like a fine thread within a complex fabric.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sutil"

Synonyms: delicado, fino, tenue, imperceptible, ligero, discreto
Opposites: obvio, evidente, claro, directo, tosco, burdo

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'subtle' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'subtle' is 'sutil'.
How do you pronounce 'sutil' in Spanish?
It is pronounced 'soo-TEEL', with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'sutil' in a sentence?
You use 'sutil' as an adjective to describe a noun. For example: 'Hay una sutil diferencia entre las dos versiones.' (There is a subtle difference between the two versions.)
What is the English translation of 'sutil'?
The English translation of 'sutil' is 'subtle'.
Does 'sutil' change for gender or number?
'Sutil' is an invariable adjective for gender, meaning it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'un aroma sutil', 'una fragancia sutil'). It does change for number; the plural form is 'sutiles' (e.g., 'cambios sutiles').
Is 'sutil' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'sutil' is quite common, particularly in contexts where nuance is important, such as art, cuisine, design, social interactions, and intellectual discussions.
Does 'sutil' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'sutil' does not have common slang meanings. Its use is consistent with its formal definition of being delicate, fine, or not obvious.
Is 'sutil' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'sutil' are consistent across all major Spanish-speaking regions. There are no significant regional differences.

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