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"Matices" is a form of "matizar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to qualify". "Matiz" is a noun which is often translated as "tinge". Learn more about the difference between "matices" and "matiz" below.
matizar(
mah
-
tee
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to clarify)
a. to qualify
Maticé mis palabras al policía porque me podría malinterpretar.I qualified what I said to the police officer because he could misinterpret me.
b. to explain
El profesor matizó su explicación porque los alumnos no la entendían.The teacher explained his point because students did not understand it.
2. (to pervade)
a. to tinge
Los atentados terroristas matizaron de tristeza el mensaje navideño del rey.The terrorist attacks tinged the King's Christmas speech with sadness.
a. to blend
El pintor matizó el rojo para que representara la tonalidad correcta.The painter blended the color red to represent the correct tone.
el matiz(
mah
-
tees
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. tinge
Los poemas tienen un claro matiz folclórico.The poems have a clear folkloric tinge.
Las palabras del primo de Susana siempre llevan un matiz místico.The things Susana's cousin says always seem to have a tinge of mysticism to them.
b. nuance
La traducción de Cristina ha verdaderamente capturado los matices de la versión original.Cristina's translation has really captured the nuances of the original.
c. touch
Hubo un matiz de ironía cuando el expresidente dio un discurso sobre la corrupción en el gobierno.There was a touch of irony when the ex-president gave a speech about government corruption.
d. subtle difference
Las dos expresiones se diferencian ligeramente en algunos matices.There's a subtle difference in meaning between the two expressions.
a. shade
Los distintos matices de color en el cielo esta noche son impresionantes.The various shades of color in the sky tonight are breathtaking.
b. hue
¿Por qué piensas que algo está mal con la tele? - Porque todo se ve con un matiz de verde.Why do you think something's wrong with the TV? - Because everything has a green hue to it.
