区别辨析delicate、fine与subtle

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。