Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #4,200 mais comum 9 min de leitura

tenue

Top 4,200

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas tenue em 30 segundos

Explicação tenue in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'tenue' as a special word for 'little' or 'soft' when talking about light or sound. Imagine a very small candle in a dark room; that light is 'tenue'. It is not a word you must use every day, but it is very helpful for describing things that are not strong. You can use it like this: 'La luz es tenue' (The light is dim). It is an easy adjective because it doesn't change for boys or girls—it is always 'tenue'. Just remember it means 'not strong' for things you see or hear. It's like the 'quiet' version of a color or a light. When you see a very light blue, you can say it's a 'color tenue'. This word helps you move beyond basic words like 'pequeño' or 'bajo' to describe the world more beautifully.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, you should start using 'tenue' to describe atmospheres and sensory details. It is very common when talking about the weather or home environments. For example, 'Hay una neblina tenue' (There is a thin mist) or 'Me gusta la música tenue' (I like soft music). You are learning to describe things with more detail now, and 'tenue' is perfect for that. It describes things that are 'faint'. If you are looking at a photo and you can barely see someone in the background, their shape is 'tenue'. It's also useful for describing smells: 'un tenue olor a café' (a faint smell of coffee). Remember that it agrees in number, so if you have two dim lights, they are 'luces tenues'. This word makes your Spanish sound more natural and descriptive.

At the B1 level, you can begin to use 'tenue' in more abstract and figurative ways. Beyond just 'dim light' or 'soft sound', you can use it to describe feelings or logical connections. For example, 'Tengo una tenue esperanza' means you have a slight, faint hope. Or 'Hay una tenue diferencia entre estas dos palabras' means there is a subtle difference. This level is about nuance, and 'tenue' is a word of nuance. It suggests something is fragile or on the edge of existence. You might use it in a story to describe a 'tenue sonrisa' (a faint smile) that shows someone is slightly happy but trying to hide it. It's a great word for adding depth to your descriptions of people's reactions and complex situations.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B2 level, 'tenue' becomes a tool for precise argumentation and sophisticated description. You should be comfortable using it to describe the strength of evidence or the validity of a theory, much like the English word 'tenuous'. For instance, 'El vínculo entre los dos crímenes es muy tenue' (The link between the two crimes is very tenuous). At this level, you should also recognize its use in formal writing and journalism. It often describes economic trends ('una tenue mejoría') or political shifts. You should be able to distinguish 'tenue' from its synonyms like 'sutil' or 'leve' based on the specific context. 'Tenue' specifically evokes a sense of thinness or lack of density, which can be applied to anything from a fabric to a line of reasoning.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C1 level, 'tenue' is a staple of your literary and academic vocabulary. You will encounter it frequently in contemporary Spanish literature, where it is used to create atmosphere and evoke specific emotional states. You should use it to describe the 'tenue frontera' (thin border) between concepts like life and death, or reality and fiction. It is also used in technical fields—for example, in optics to describe 'franjas tenues' (faint fringes) or in medicine for 'pulso tenue'. Your usage should be effortless, applying the word to describe the most delicate and hard-to-detect phenomena. You should also be aware of its etymological roots in the Latin 'tenuis', which connects it to words like 'extender' and 'tender', enriching your understanding of its core meaning of 'stretched thin'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, 'tenue' is used with complete mastery in the most complex philosophical and aesthetic discourses. You might use it to discuss the 'tenue ontología' of certain modern concepts or the 'tenue rastro' of historical influence in a text. At this level, the word is not just a descriptor but a way to categorize the intensity of existence itself. You can use it to critique art, describing the 'tenue equilibrio' of a composition, or to analyze political discourse, noting the 'tenue distinción' made by a speaker to avoid controversy. Your command of 'tenue' reflects a deep appreciation for the subtleties of the Spanish language, allowing you to communicate ideas that are themselves 'tenues'—delicate, complex, and requiring a high level of linguistic precision to be fully grasped.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

tenue em 30 segundos

Tenue means faint, dim, or thin.
It describes light, sound, smell, and abstract links.
It is gender-neutral (same for masculine and feminine).
It is more formal and poetic than 'débil' or 'suave'.

The Spanish word tenue is a versatile adjective that primarily describes things that are thin, delicate, faint, or lacking in intensity. When you encounter this word, think of something that is barely there—a whisper of a sound, a sliver of light, or a fragile connection. It is most commonly used in sensory contexts, particularly regarding sight and sound, but it also finds its way into abstract discussions about emotions and logic. In the physical realm, it describes objects that are slender or fine in texture, such as a delicate thread or a thin veil of mist. In the auditory realm, it refers to sounds that are soft and almost imperceptible, like a distant murmur. Visually, it is the perfect word for the dim light of dawn or the pale colors of a watercolor painting. Because of its elegant and somewhat formal tone, it is a favorite in Spanish literature and poetry, yet it remains perfectly accessible for everyday descriptions of the environment.

Visual Intensity: Used to describe light that is dim or not bright. For example, 'una luz tenue' refers to the soft glow of a candle or the fading light of a sunset.

Auditory Volume: Used to describe sounds that are weak or low in volume. A 'sonido tenue' might be a rustle of leaves or a quiet conversation in the distance.

Abstract Strength: Used to describe abstract concepts like hope, evidence, or connections that are fragile or barely existing. 'Una tenue esperanza' means a very slight hope.

La habitación estaba iluminada por una tenue lámpara de noche.

Había un tenue aroma a jazmín en el aire del jardín.

El paciente mostraba una tenue mejoría después del tratamiento.

Sentí un tenue escalofrío al entrar en la cueva fría.

La línea entre el éxito y el fracaso es a veces muy tenue.

In everyday conversation, you might hear 'tenue' when someone is describing the ambiance of a place. A restaurant with 'iluminación tenue' is considered romantic or cozy. If you are hiking and see a 'tenue neblina' (thin mist), it suggests a light, ethereal fog rather than a thick, blinding one. The word carries a connotation of grace and subtlety, making it a powerful tool for writers who want to create a specific atmosphere without being overly blunt. Understanding 'tenue' allows you to appreciate the nuances of Spanish descriptions, moving beyond basic adjectives like 'poco' or 'bajo' to capture the true essence of faintness and fragility in the world around you.

Using tenue correctly involves placing it after the noun it modifies in most standard descriptions, though it can precede the noun for poetic emphasis. It functions just like other Spanish adjectives, agreeing in number with the noun it describes. If you are describing multiple dim lights, you would say 'las luces tenues'. The primary challenge for English speakers is knowing when to choose 'tenue' over 'débil' (weak) or 'suave' (soft). 'Tenue' is specifically for things that are faint in intensity or physical thickness. For instance, you wouldn't use 'tenue' to describe a weak person physically; you would use 'débil'. However, you would use 'tenue' to describe their pulse or their voice if it was barely audible.

Positioning: Standard: 'Una luz tenue'. Poetic: 'La tenue luz'. In standard speech, keep it after the noun.

Agreement: Singular: tenue. Plural: tenues. It does not change for gender (masculine/feminine).

Comparison: Use 'más tenue' for 'fainter' and 'el/la más tenue' for 'the faintest'.

Vimos una tenue silueta en la distancia a través de la niebla.

El artista usó trazos tenues para dibujar las nubes.

La tenue música de fondo no molestaba la conversación.

In more advanced contexts, 'tenue' describes the logical strength of an argument or the validity of a claim. 'Un vínculo tenue' (a tenuous link) suggests that two ideas are barely connected. This usage mirrors the English word 'tenuous', which shares the same Latin root. When you want to express that something is on the verge of disappearing or is incredibly subtle, 'tenue' is your go-to word. Whether you are describing the 'tenue calor' of the winter sun or the 'tenue fragancia' of a flower, this word adds a layer of sophistication to your Spanish vocabulary, allowing you to paint more detailed and evocative pictures with your speech and writing.

While tenue might seem like a word reserved for poets, you will actually encounter it in a variety of real-world settings. In the world of interior design and hospitality, it is frequently used to describe lighting. You will see it on menus describing the 'atmósfera tenue' of a lounge or in hotel reviews praising the 'iluminación tenue' that helped guests relax. In weather reports, meteorologists might refer to a 'tenue capa de nieve' (a thin layer of snow) or 'tenue neblina' in the early morning. It is also a common word in medical and scientific contexts. A doctor might note a 'tenue pulso' (a weak pulse) or a researcher might describe a 'tenue reacción' in a chemical experiment. Furthermore, in the news, you might hear about a 'tenue recuperación económica' (a slight economic recovery), indicating that while things are improving, the progress is fragile and not yet robust.

Literature & Film: Often used in stage directions or novel descriptions to set a mood: 'Entra una luz tenue por la ventana'.

Scientific Reports: Describes barely visible lines on a graph or faint traces of a substance: 'Se observó una tenue mancha'.

Social Contexts: Used to describe social cues: 'Hizo una tenue sonrisa' (He/she gave a faint smile).

El meteorólogo advirtió sobre una tenue llovizna durante la tarde.

En el examen, solo pude ver una tenue línea en la prueba de laboratorio.

In artistic circles, 'tenue' is used to describe the technique of an artist—perhaps their 'tenue manejo de la sombra' (delicate handling of shadow). In politics, a commentator might speak of the 'tenue alianza' between two parties, highlighting its instability. By listening for 'tenue' in these diverse contexts, you start to see it not just as a synonym for 'weak', but as a specific descriptor for anything that exists on the edge of visibility or existence. It is a word that captures the beauty of the subtle and the fragility of the temporary, making it an essential part of a mature Spanish vocabulary.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with tenue is confusing it with other adjectives that mean 'weak' or 'soft' in different contexts. A frequent error is using 'tenue' to describe physical strength or character. For example, you should not say 'Juan es un hombre tenue' if you mean he is physically weak; the correct word is 'débil'. 'Tenue' is for the intensity of a quality, not the physical power of a person. Another mistake is forgetting that 'tenue' is invariable for gender. Some learners mistakenly try to say 'tenua' for feminine nouns, but 'tenue' remains the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine (el reflejo tenue) or feminine (la luz tenue). Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'tenue' with 'tierno' (tender). While both can imply a certain softness, 'tierno' relates to texture (like meat) or affection (like a hug), whereas 'tenue' relates to intensity and visibility.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'La luz tenua'. Correct: 'La luz tenue'. Adjectives ending in -e are usually gender-neutral.

Contextual Misuse: Mistake: Using 'tenue' for physical weakness. Use 'débil' for people and 'tenue' for light/sound/links.

False Cognate Fear: While 'tenue' looks like 'tenuous', it is a true cognate. Don't be afraid to use it in abstract logical contexts.

Incorrecto: El niño tiene una voz tenua. Correcto: El niño tiene una voz tenue.

Finally, ensure you don't over-rely on 'tenue' when 'ligero' (lightweight) is more appropriate. While 'tenue' can mean thin, it's usually used for things like fabrics or layers of gas. If you are talking about the weight of a suitcase, 'tenue' would be incorrect; use 'ligero'. By paying attention to these distinctions, you will avoid the common pitfalls that mark a non-native speaker and instead demonstrate a nuanced command of Spanish vocabulary. Practice by pairing 'tenue' with its most common partners: luz, sonido, esperanza, and aroma.

To truly master tenue, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Spanish has several words for 'weak' or 'faint', each with its own flavor. Débil is the most general term for 'weak' and can be used for physical strength, arguments, or light. However, 'débil' often implies a lack or a failure, whereas 'tenue' can be neutral or even positive (like a romantic dim light). Sutil (subtle) is another close relative. While 'tenue' refers to the intensity of the sensation, 'sutil' refers to the complexity or the cleverness of something that isn't obvious. A 'tenue diferencia' is a slight difference, while a 'sutil diferencia' is one that requires careful thought to notice. Ligero means light in weight or intensity, but it lacks the 'faint' connotation of 'tenue'.

Tenue vs. Débil: 'Tenue' is for faintness (light, sound); 'Débil' is for lack of strength (physical, structural).

Tenue vs. Sutil: 'Tenue' is sensory faintness; 'Sutil' is intellectual or conceptual delicacy.

Tenue vs. Delicado: 'Delicado' implies fragility or high quality; 'Tenue' just means it's hard to see or hear.

La tenue neblina desapareció con el sol (faint mist).

El argumento es débil y fácil de refutar (weak argument).

Other alternatives include imperceptible (when something is so 'tenue' you can't even sense it) and vago (vague), used when something is 'tenue' in a way that is unclear or poorly defined. For example, a 'vago recuerdo' is a faint memory. In literary contexts, you might see vaporoso to describe thin, 'tenue' fabrics. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of light/sound (tenue), the lack of strength (débil), the cleverness (sutil), or the lack of clarity (vago). Expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms allows for much more precise expression in both spoken and written Spanish.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The English word 'tenuous' comes from the exact same Latin root, which is why they share such similar meanings in formal contexts.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈtenwe/

US /ˈtenwe/

The stress is on the first syllable: TEN-ue.

Rima com

tenue (itself) atenué (verb form) continúe (verb form) acentúe (verb form) menue (rare) extenue (verb form) insinúe (verb form) perpetúe (verb form)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it as three syllables (te-nu-e). It is two: te-nue.
Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'u' in 'blue'. It should be a quick 'w' sound.
Stressing the second syllable.
Making the 'e' at the end sound like 'ee' (ten-wee). It should be 'eh'.
Softening the 't' too much; in Spanish, 't' is sharp and dental.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'tenuous' in English.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering it doesn't change for gender.

Expressão oral 3/5

The 'nue' diphthong can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to hear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

luz débil suave color sonido

Aprenda a seguir

sutil imperceptible atenuar vago leve

Avançado

tenuidad ontológico efímero vaporoso

Gramática essencial

Adjectives ending in -e are invariable for gender.

El color tenue / La luz tenue.

Pluralization of adjectives ending in -e adds -s.

Los sonidos tenues.

Adjective placement for emphasis.

La tenue luz (more poetic) vs La luz tenue (standard).

Adverbs formed by adding -mente to the feminine form (which is the same for -e).

Tenuemente.

Comparison of equality.

Es tan tenue como un susurro.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

La luz de la vela es tenue.

The candle light is dim.

Tenue describes the intensity of the light.

Escucho un sonido tenue.

I hear a faint sound.

Tenue follows the noun 'sonido'.

El color de la flor es tenue.

The color of the flower is faint.

Tenue is used for pale or light colors.

Hay una tenue neblina hoy.

There is a thin mist today.

Tenue modifies the feminine noun 'neblina'.

La música es muy tenue.

The music is very soft.

'Muy' amplifies the adjective 'tenue'.

Veo una estrella tenue.

I see a faint star.

Tenue describes something hard to see.

Ella tiene una sonrisa tenue.

She has a faint smile.

Used for subtle facial expressions.

El papel es muy tenue.

The paper is very thin.

Refers to physical thickness/density.

Llevaba una camisa de un azul tenue.

He was wearing a light blue shirt.

Used to specify a shade of color.

Las luces tenues del restaurante son bonitas.

The dim lights of the restaurant are pretty.

Plural form: tenues.

Siento un tenue calor en mi cara.

I feel a slight heat on my face.

Used for physical sensations.

Había un tenue olor a perfume en el aire.

There was a faint scent of perfume in the air.

Commonly used with 'olor'.

La línea del dibujo es muy tenue.

The line of the drawing is very faint.

Describes visibility of marks.

Vimos una tenue silueta en la calle.

We saw a faint silhouette in the street.

Used for shapes that are hard to distinguish.

El pulso del paciente era tenue.

The patient's pulse was weak.

Medical context for 'weak'.

Escribió una nota con lápiz tenue.

He wrote a note with a faint pencil.

Describes the result of the writing tool.

Aún guardo una tenue esperanza de verte.

I still hold a faint hope of seeing you.

Abstract usage with feelings.

Hay una tenue diferencia entre estas opciones.

There is a slight difference between these options.

Used for subtle distinctions.

El cristal tiene un tenue tinte verde.

The glass has a faint green tint.

Describes subtle color variations.

Se escuchaba el tenue murmullo del río.

The faint murmur of the river could be heard.

Poetic placement before the noun.

Sintió un tenue mareo al levantarse.

He felt a slight dizziness upon standing up.

Describes minor physical symptoms.

La tela es tan tenue que se rompe fácil.

The fabric is so thin that it breaks easily.

Refers to fragility and thinness.

El sol proyectaba sombras tenues sobre el suelo.

The sun projected faint shadows on the ground.

Plural agreement with 'sombras'.

Hizo un tenue gesto de desaprobación.

He made a slight gesture of disapproval.

Describes subtle body language.

La conexión entre los eventos es bastante tenue.

The connection between the events is quite tenuous.

Abstract logic/causality.

Existe una tenue línea entre la valentía y la imprudencia.

There is a thin line between bravery and recklessness.

Metaphorical 'thin line'.

El informe muestra una tenue mejoría en las ventas.

The report shows a slight improvement in sales.

Formal/business context.

Su voz era tenue pero firme.

His voice was faint but firm.

Contrastive usage with 'pero'.

La pintura destaca por su tenue uso del color.

The painting stands out for its subtle use of color.

Artistic critique.

Se percibía una tenue tensión en la sala.

A slight tension could be perceived in the room.

Describes atmosphere/mood.

El rastro de la civilización era ya muy tenue.

The trace of civilization was already very faint.

Describes fading presence over time.

Las pruebas contra él son demasiado tenues.

The evidence against him is too tenuous.

Legal/argumentative context.

La tenue luz del alba bañaba el paisaje.

The faint light of dawn bathed the landscape.

Literary/Poetic register.

Bajo la tenue apariencia de calma, hervía la rabia.

Beneath the thin appearance of calm, rage boiled.

Metaphorical 'thin layer'.

El autor establece una tenue distinción ontológica.

The author establishes a tenuous ontological distinction.

Academic/Philosophical register.

El velo era tan tenue que parecía hecho de aire.

The veil was so thin it seemed made of air.

Extreme physical delicacy.

Sus recuerdos de la infancia se volvían más tenues.

His childhood memories were becoming fainter.

Describes fading mental states.

Una tenue sonrisa irónica cruzó su rostro.

A faint ironic smile crossed his face.

Nuanced emotional description.

El experimento detectó una tenue señal de radio.

The experiment detected a faint radio signal.

Scientific/Technical context.

La tenue frontera entre el sueño y la vigilia.

The thin border between dream and wakefulness.

Philosophical/Literary theme.

La argumentación se sostenía sobre una base harto tenue.

The argument was based on a very tenuous foundation.

Uses 'harto' for emphasis in high register.

Se advierte una tenue pero persistente influencia barroca.

A faint but persistent Baroque influence is noted.

Art history/Criticism.

El pulso de la vida urbana era tenue en aquel arrabal.

The pulse of urban life was faint in that suburb.

Metaphorical use for social activity.

La tenue pátina de polvo revelaba el abandono.

The thin patina of dust revealed the abandonment.

Describes subtle physical traces.

Había una tenue fragancia a sándalo que lo envolvía todo.

There was a faint fragrance of sandalwood that enveloped everything.

Sensory immersion description.

El nexo causal entre ambos fenómenos resulta tenue.

The causal link between both phenomena is tenuous.

Formal scientific/logical analysis.

La tenue luz cenicienta del eclipse asombró a todos.

The faint ashen light of the eclipse amazed everyone.

Precise descriptive adjectives.

Persiste una tenue esperanza de reconciliación diplomática.

A tenuous hope for diplomatic reconciliation persists.

Political/Formal register.

Colocações comuns

luz tenue

sonido tenue

esperanza tenue

aroma tenue

hilo tenue

color tenue

sonrisa tenue

neblina tenue

vínculo tenue

pulso tenue

Frases Comuns

iluminación tenue

— Dim or soft lighting, often in a restaurant or bedroom.

El bar tenía una iluminación tenue.

voz tenue

— A very quiet or weak voice.

Habló con una voz tenue.

tenue reflejo

— A faint reflection on a surface like water or glass.

Vimos un tenue reflejo en el lago.

tenue rastro

— A faint trace or sign of something.

No quedaba más que un tenue rastro.

tenue mejoría

— A slight or minor improvement.

El paciente mostró una tenue mejoría.

tenue sospecha

— A faint or slight suspicion.

Tengo una tenue sospecha de que miente.

tenue línea

— A thin or faint line, often used metaphorically.

Es una tenue línea la que nos separa.

tenue fragancia

— A subtle or light scent.

Una tenue fragancia llenaba la sala.

tenue brillo

— A faint glow or sparkle.

Las joyas tenían un tenue brillo.

tenue sombra

— A light or faint shadow.

Proyectaba una tenue sombra.

Frequentemente confundido com

tenue vs débil

Débil is for lack of strength; tenue is for lack of intensity/visibility.

tenue vs tierno

Tierno means tender/affectionate; tenue means faint.

tenue vs tenso

Tenso means tense; tenue means faint. They sound slightly similar.

Expressões idiomáticas

"pender de un hilo tenue"

— To be in a very precarious or risky situation.

Su carrera pende de un hilo tenue.

Literary

"una tenue distinción"

— A very small or subtle difference that is hard to see.

Hizo una tenue distinción entre los dos planes.

Formal

"bajo una tenue luz"

— Metaphorically, to look at something in a certain (often uncertain) way.

Visto bajo una tenue luz, el plan parecía bueno.

Metaphorical

Fácil de confundir

tenue vs suave

Both mean 'soft'.

Suave refers to texture or pleasantness; tenue refers to intensity or visibility.

Una manta suave (soft blanket) vs Una luz tenue (dim light).

tenue vs ligero

Both mean 'light'.

Ligero refers to weight; tenue refers to intensity or thinness of layers.

Una maleta ligera (light suitcase) vs Una tenue capa de polvo (thin layer of dust).

tenue vs fino

Both mean 'thin'.

Fino is about high quality or small diameter; tenue is about being barely there.

Un hilo fino (thin thread) vs Un rastro tenue (faint trace).

tenue vs vago

Both can mean 'unclear'.

Vago implies lack of definition; tenue implies lack of intensity.

Un vago recuerdo (vague memory) vs Una tenue luz (dim light).

tenue vs pálido

Both used for colors.

Pálido usually refers to faces or lack of health; tenue refers to light shades of color.

Un rostro pálido (pale face) vs Un azul tenue (faint blue).

Padrões de frases

La [noun] es tenue.

La luz es tenue.

Hay un/una [noun] tenue.

Hay una neblina tenue.

Sentí un/una tenue [abstract noun].

Sentí una tenue esperanza.

El/La [noun] resultó ser tenue.

La conexión resultó ser tenue.

Bajo la tenue [noun], se percibía...

Bajo la tenue luz, se percibía el miedo.

La [noun] se sostenía sobre una base tenue.

La teoría se sostenía sobre una base tenue.

Un/una [noun] de color [color] tenue.

Una camisa de color azul tenue.

[Noun] más tenue que [Noun].

Un sonido más tenue que un susurro.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

tenuidad (tenuity/thinness)

Verbos

atenuar (to attenuate/weaken/dim)

Adjetivos

tenue (faint)

Relacionado

atenuación

atenuante

extenuar

extenuado

extenuante

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Common in descriptive and formal Spanish.

Erros comuns

La luz tenua → La luz tenue
Tenue is invariable; it does not change to 'tenua' for feminine nouns.
Un hombre tenue → Un hombre débil/delgado
Tenue describes intensity or thinness of layers, not a person's physical strength or build.
El sonido es tenuo → El sonido es tenue
Tenue does not have a masculine '-o' form.
Una maleta tenue → Una maleta ligera
Tenue is not used for weight; use 'ligero' for things that are not heavy.
Tenue carne → Carne tierna
Do not confuse 'tenue' with 'tierno' (tender).

Dicas

Atmosphere

Use 'tenue' to describe romantic or calm settings with low light.

Colors

Use 'tenue' for pastel or very light shades of a color.

No Gender Change

Remember: 'tenue' is the same for masculine and feminine nouns.

Literature

In stories, use 'tenue' for things that are mysterious or disappearing.

Pronunciation

Don't forget the 'w' sound in the second syllable: ten-way.

Connections

Use 'tenue' for weak links between ideas or evidence.

Sound

Use it for sounds that are barely audible, like a distant whisper.

Mist

It's the perfect word for a light, thin fog (neblina tenue).

Pulse

In a medical context, it describes a weak or faint heartbeat.

Better than Débil

Use 'tenue' instead of 'débil' for light/sound to sound more poetic.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'TEN'uous connection that is so 'TEN'ue (thin) it might break. Both words start with 'TEN' and mean something thin or faint.

Associação visual

Imagine a single, thin thread (tenue) holding up a heavy weight. Or a very dim candle in a large dark hall.

Word Web

luz sonido hilo esperanza aroma neblina sutil débil

Desafio

Try to describe the lighting in your room right now using 'tenue' or 'no tenue'.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin word 'tenuis', which means thin, fine, slender, or slight.

Significado original: Physically thin or slender.

Romance (Latin)

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, descriptive adjective.

English speakers often use 'faint' or 'dim', but 'tenue' sounds slightly more sophisticated, similar to 'tenuous' or 'subtle'.

Used frequently in the poetry of Pablo Neruda to describe nature. Common in stage directions for Lorca's plays. Appears in many modern Latin pop ballads.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Lighting

iluminación tenue
luz tenue
reflejo tenue
brillo tenue

Sound

sonido tenue
voz tenue
murmullo tenue
música tenue

Feelings

esperanza tenue
sospecha tenue
alegría tenue
tristeza tenue

Physical Objects

hilo tenue
capa tenue
línea tenue
tela tenue

Weather

neblina tenue
llovizna tenue
calor tenue
viento tenue

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Prefieres los restaurantes con luz tenue o con mucha luz?"

"¿Has sentido alguna vez una tenue esperanza cuando todo parecía perdido?"

"¿Qué sonidos tenues te gusta escuchar cuando intentas dormir?"

"¿Te gusta usar colores tenues en tu ropa o prefieres colores fuertes?"

"¿Puedes describir un recuerdo tenue de tu infancia?"

Temas para diário

Describe un atardecer que hayas visto recientemente usando la palabra 'tenue' al menos tres veces.

Escribe sobre una situación donde hubo una tenue diferencia entre el éxito y el fracaso.

¿Cómo cambia el ambiente de tu casa cuando hay una iluminación tenue?

Describe un aroma tenue que te traiga un recuerdo especial.

Reflexiona sobre una 'tenue esperanza' que tengas para el futuro.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is both! 'Tenue' is an invariable adjective, meaning it has the same form for masculine nouns (el reflejo tenue) and feminine nouns (la luz tenue).

Generally, no. If you mean a person is weak, use 'débil'. If you mean they are thin, use 'delgado'. You only use 'tenue' for a person's features, like 'una voz tenue' or 'una sonrisa tenue'.

Simply add an 's' at the end. For example: 'luces tenues' or 'sonidos tenues'.

'Tenue' is usually about sensory intensity (how bright or loud something is). 'Sutil' is about how clever or non-obvious something is. A 'tenue' sound is quiet; a 'sutil' hint is clever.

Yes, it is very common in literature, descriptions of places, and formal speech. You will hear it often in hotels, restaurants, and weather reports.

Yes, it can describe physically thin or delicate things, but 'fino' or 'delgado' are more common for physical thickness. 'Tenue' implies it's so thin it's almost transparent.

The adverb is 'tenuemente', which means 'faintly' or 'dimly'. For example: 'La habitación estaba tenuemente iluminada'.

Yes, they are cognates. They both come from the Latin 'tenuis'. In formal contexts, they can be used almost identically.

Yes, 'muy tenue' is a very common way to say 'very faint' or 'very dim'.

Absolutely. 'Un tenue aroma' or 'una tenue fragancia' are very common and natural expressions in Spanish.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas