vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Matiz" is a noun which is often translated as "tinge", and "sutil" is an adjective which is often translated as "subtle". Learn more about the difference between "matiz" and "sutil" below.
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.
sutil(
soo
-
teel
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. subtle
La diferencia entre los dos vinos es sutil, pero me gustó más el segundo.The difference between the two wines is subtle, but I liked the second one more.
2. (perceptive)
a. sharp
Detrás de ese sentido del humor grosero se esconde una mente sutil.Behind that seemingly crude sense of humor hides a sharp mind.
b. keen
La película ofrece una perspectiva sutil de los conflictos que desgarran al país.The movie offers a keen perspective on the conflicts that are tearing the country apart.
3. (light)
a. delicate (smell or fabric)
Al final de la ceremonia, el novio le apartó el sutil velo de la cara y la besó.At the conclusion of the ceremony, the groom removed the delicate veil from her face and kissed her.
b. thin (atmosphere or fabric)
La atmósfera de Marte es más sutil que la de la Tierra.Mars's atmosphere is thinner than the Earth's.
c. fine (thread or fabric)
El encaje fue hecho con un hilo sutil de color marfil.The lace is made of a fine ivory thread.
