delicate、fine与subtle这三个形容词均含“微妙的、细微的”之意。
delicate : 侧重指需要谨慎处理和对待。
- I need to speak to you about a delicate matter.
我要跟你谈一件很棘手的事情。 - The pay negotiations have reached a delicate point/stage.
工资谈判已经到了微妙的关头／阶段。
fine : 隐含“不易察觉的”意味。
- You really need a magnifying glass to appreciate all the fine detail.
确实需要放大镜才能欣赏到一切细微之处。 - There's no need to make such fine distinctions.
没有必要区分出如此细微的差别。
subtle : 侧重有洞察、领悟事物细微差别以及微妙关系的能力。
- The room was painted a subtle shade of pink.
房间被刷成了淡粉色。 - The play's message is perhaps too subtle to be understood by young children.
这部戏的内涵过于隐晦，小孩子可能难以理解。
