Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Subtle; refined; delicate: Describes something that is not obvious, is characterized by fine distinctions, or shows great sensitivity and perception. It often refers to nuanced qualities, intricate details, or sophisticated understanding.
   • Fine; precise: Indicates something executed with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and sharpness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy có gu thẩm mỹ rất tinh tế. (She has a very refined aesthetic sense.)
  • Đó là một sự khác biệt tinh tế, khó nhận ra. (That is a subtle difference, hard to notice.)
  • Nhà phê bình đưa ra những nhận xét tinh tế về bộ phim. (The critic offered perceptive comments about the film.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe abstract concepts like reasoning, observation, emotions, or artistic taste.
  • Anh ấy phân tích vấn đề một cách tinh tế và sâu sắc. (He analyzes the problem in a subtle and profound way.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tinh tướng (adj): Often used colloquially to describe someone who is overly fastidious or fussy about appearance and details, sometimes with a negative connotation.
• Tế nhị (adj): Delicate, tactful, discreet. Shares the nuance of sensitivity but often in social contexts.

Synonyms

• Subtle: Not loud, obvious, or noticeable.
• Refined: Elegant and cultured.
• Delicate: Very fine in texture, structure, or meaning.
• Perceptive: Having or showing sensitive insight.
• Nuanced: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Con mắt tinh tế: A keen/ discerning eye.
  • Nhà sưu tập cần có con mắt tinh tế để phát hiện tranh giả. (A collector needs a keen eye to spot fake paintings.)
• Sự tinh tế trong giao tiếp: Subtlety/ tact in communication.
  • Sự tinh tế trong giao tiếp giúp tránh hiểu lầm. (Tact in communication helps avoid misunderstandings.)

adj

1. fine, precise