sottile
/sotˈti.le/
The English word "subtle" is translated into Italian as sottile.
sottile is used to describe an action or movement that is very delicate, slight or barely noticeable, similar to the English terms inconspicuous or unintrusive. This applies to abstract concepts like humor or nuances, but it is also the standard word used to describe physical objects that are thin or fine, such as a thread or a slice.
Meaning: of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While sottile is used in an abstract sense to mean "subtle" (for example, regarding a nuance), it also functions as the word for "thin" or "fine" when referring to the physical properties of an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sottile is invariable for gender, so it remains the same whether it modifies a masculine or feminine noun. To form the plural, use sottili for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /sotˈti.le/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase fare il sottile can be used to describe someone who is acting overly refined or pretending to be more sophisticated than they actually are.
- The Italian word sottile and the English word 'subtle' are linguistic cousins, as both evolved from the Latin subtīlem, meaning 'thin' or 'slender'.
- The word sottile can be used to describe a person's intelligence or wit, implying they have a sharp, finely-tuned intellect rather than just being 'subtle' in behavior.
Examples in context
- Mi piace l'umorismo sottile di Tom.I like Tom's subtle humor.This sentence shows how to describe subtle humor using sottile.Tatoeba #4150431 by Guybrush88, translation #3735694 by CK
- Provo un sottile piacere nel soffrire.I experience a subtle pleasure in suffering.This sentence demonstrates the use of sottile to describe a subtle pleasure.Tatoeba #11568671 by Nuel, translation #11568670 by Nuel
- Questa parola ha una sfumatura sottile in essa.This word has a subtle nuance to it.This sentence illustrates how to express a subtle nuance using sottile.Tatoeba #3783641 by Guybrush88, translation #48181 by orcrist
- La sua risposta è stata sottile, ma molto persuasiva.His response was subtle, yet very persuasive.
- Il dipinto ha un tocco delicato, come se fosse fatto con un soffio d'aria.The painting has a subtle touch, as if it were made with a breath of air.
- Il suo senso dello stile è molto raffinato, con dettagli sottili che si notano solo a poco a poco.His sense of style is very subtle, with delicate details that only become noticeable little by little.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a painting in a gallery.
- MatteoGuarda questo gioco di luci, è davvero sottile.Look at this play of light, it is really subtle.
- MartinaSì, quasi non si nota il passaggio tra i colori.Yes, you can barely notice the transition between the colors.
- MatteoÈ proprio questo che rende l'opera così elegante.That is exactly what makes the work so elegant.
- MartinaHai ragione, Matteo, è un dettaglio molto raffinato.You are right, Matteo, it is a very refined detail.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sottile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sottile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
