tinte
/ˈtinte/
The Spanish word for tint is tinte.
tinte is used to refer to a color considered in relation to other similar colors, but it most commonly refers to a dye or a stain, such as those used for hair or fabric. In the context of cosmetics, tinte is the standard term for items like lip tint or hair tint.
Meaning: color considered with reference to other similar colors (noun)
Which one should you use?
While tinte can mean a color tint, it is most frequently used to mean a dye or stain. If you are looking for a word that specifically means a nuance or a slight shade of a color, the formal term matiz is more appropriate.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to describe the process of applying a dye or tint to something like cloth or hair, use the verb teñir. If you are talking about adding a subtle shade or nuance to a color rather than applying a physical dye, use the verb matizar instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtinte/
Did you know?
- While tinte describes the substance used to color hair, the phrase tinte de voz refers to the specific emotional quality or 'color' of a person's speaking voice.
- The verb teñir is used not only for hair but also to describe the sky changing color during a sunset, as in el cielo se tiñó de rojo.
- In Spanish, the word tinte can be used metaphorically to describe a subtle trace of a feeling or a hint of a political ideology within a text or speech.
Examples in context
- La tonificación de la imagen le dio un aspecto más suaveThe tinting of the image gave it a softer appearance
- El matiz dorado de la pintura realza la belleza de la habitaciónThe golden tint of the paint enhances the room's beauty
- Las sábanas tienen matices rosadosThe sheets have a pink tint
- La foto tiene tonos azules que le dan un toque nostálgicoThe picture has blue tints that give it a nostalgic touch
- El nuevo vidrio tiene un ligero tinte verdosoThe new glass has a slight greenish tint
- Ese tinte es demasiado oscuro.That tint is too dark.
- Busco un tinte más claro para el cabello.I am looking for a lighter tint for the hair.
- El tinte tiene un matiz verdoso.The tint has a greenish hue.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at hair dye samples at a salon.
- Mateo¿Qué te parece este tinte, Sofía?What do you think of this tint, Sofía?
- SofíaCreo que es un poco brillante.I think it is a bit bright.
- MateoTienes razón, busquemos otro.You are right, let's look for another one.
- SofíaEste otro tinte es más natural.This other tint is more natural.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tinte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
