Surtitle vs. Subtitle — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
Surtitle displays translations of spoken or sung dialogue above the stage during a performance, whereas a subtitle appears at the bottom of a screen, providing translations or transcriptions.
Difference Between Surtitle and Subtitle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Surtitle is often used in opera or theatrical performances to provide translations of dialogues or lyrics, displayed typically above the stage. On the other hand, subtitles are commonly seen in films, television, and online videos, appearing at the bottom of the screen to translate or transcribe the spoken content.
While surtitles are especially beneficial for non-native speakers attending live performances, providing a real-time linguistic bridge, subtitles cater to a broader audience, including the hearing impaired, and are essential in multimedia across various languages.
Surtitles help audiences follow complex operas or plays in foreign languages, enhancing comprehension and engagement during live events. Whereas subtitles are versatile, supporting not only foreign language films but also educational content, ensuring accessibility and understanding.
The usage of surtitles is largely confined to specific venues like opera houses or theaters and is designed to intrude minimally on the visual performance. In contrast, subtitles are used across various media platforms, including cinema, television, and streaming services, often integral to the viewing experience.
Surtitles require careful synchronization with live performances, demanding precise timing to match the live dialogue or singing. Subtitles, however, can be adjusted during post-production for films and pre-recorded shows, offering flexibility in timing and editing.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Used in live performances like opera or theater
Used in films, TV shows, and online videos
Position
Typically displayed above the stage
Displayed at the bottom of the screen
Purpose
Provides translations of dialogues or lyrics
Translates or transcribes spoken content
Audience
Primarily non-native speakers at live events
Broader audience including the hearing impaired
Synchronization
Must be synchronized with live performance
Can be adjusted during post-production
Compare with Definitions
Surtitle
Translation displayed above a stage in operas or plays.
The surtitle helped me understand the French opera.
Subtitle
Often used in multilingual settings to bridge language gaps.
The film festival featured subtitles in multiple languages.
Surtitle
An aid for audience comprehension at live theatrical events.
Without the surtitle, the play would have been confusing.
Subtitle
A tool for deaf or hard of hearing viewers to follow audio.
Subtitles make it accessible for everyone to enjoy the movie.
Surtitle
Used primarily in settings where visual performance is central.
The surtitle did not distract from the actors’ performances.
Subtitle
Integral in educational videos for better comprehension.
The educational video had subtitles in both English and Spanish.
Surtitle
Text used to interpret dialogue or lyrics during live performances.
Thanks to the surtitle, I could follow the story.
Subtitle
Can be customized in various fonts and sizes on digital platforms.
I adjusted the subtitle settings to make them larger.
Surtitle
Displays often using LED boards or projection screens in theaters.
The LED board displaying the surtitle was clearly visible.
Subtitle
Text at the bottom of a screen translating spoken dialogue.
The subtitles were perfectly synced with the dialogue.
Surtitle
A caption projected on a screen above the stage in an opera, translating the text being sung.
Subtitle
Captions displayed at the bottom of a cinema or television screen that translate or transcribe the dialogue or narrative
Films in foreign languages with English subtitles
Surtitle
Provide (an opera production) with surtitles.
Subtitle
A subordinate title of a published work or article giving additional information about its content
The book had now acquired its final title with a qualifying subtitle
Surtitle
See supertitle.
Subtitle
Provide (a film or programme) with subtitles
Much of the film is subtitled
Surtitle
A translation of a segment of the libretto or other text or sometimes a brief summary of the plot projected onto a screen above the stage during a performance of an opera or other similar performance sung in a foreign language; a supertitle.
Subtitle
Provide (a published work or article) with a subtitle
The novel was aptly subtitled
Surtitle
To provide surtitles for a performance.
Subtitle
A secondary, usually explanatory title, as of a literary work.
Surtitle
Translation of the words of a foreign opera (or choral work) projected on a screen above the stage
Subtitle
A printed translation of foreign-language dialogue shown at the bottom of the screen, as in a film or a television broadcast.
Subtitle
To give a subtitle to.
Subtitle
To provide with subtitles
A film that was subtitled for English-speaking audiences.
Subtitle
(authorship) A heading below or after a title.
Subtitle
Textual versions of the dialogue in films (and similar media such as television or video games), usually displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Subtitle
To create subtitles for the dialogue in a film.
Subtitle
Translation of foreign dialogue of a movie or TV program; usually displayed at the bottom of the screen
Subtitle
Secondary or explanatory title
Subtitle
Supply (a movie) with subtitles
Common Curiosities
How do subtitles aid in movie watching?
Subtitles help viewers understand dialogue in foreign languages and assist the deaf and hard of hearing.
What is a surtitle?
A surtitle is a translation displayed above a stage in operas or plays to help non-native speakers understand the performance.
What is a subtitle?
A subtitle is a textual version of a film or television dialogue, typically displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Do subtitles include non-dialogue audio?
Yes, subtitles often include descriptions of significant sounds, not just spoken words.
Are surtitles distracting during a performance?
Surtitles are designed to be minimally intrusive while providing necessary translation.
Can subtitles be used for languages other than English?
Yes, subtitles can be created for any language to support multilingual audiences.
What technology is used to display surtitles?
Surtitles are often displayed using LED boards or projection systems.
Why are surtitles important in live performances?
Surtitles make live performances like operas accessible to those who do not understand the language of the performance.
What’s the difference between closed captions and subtitles?
Closed captions are intended for the hearing impaired and include sound cues, while subtitles are primarily for translating dialogue.
Are surtitles always in English?
No, surtitles can be in any language, depending on the audience and the performance.
How are subtitles created for films?
Subtitles are usually created during the post-production phase, where they can be carefully synced with the audio.
Can surtitles be used in any kind of live performance?
While primarily used in opera and theater, surtitles could theoretically be used in any live performance that involves spoken word or song.
Are subtitles available in different styles or formats?
Yes, subtitles can vary in font, size, color, and placement, depending on the platform or user settings.
Can I turn off subtitles while watching a movie?
Yes, most digital platforms allow users to toggle subtitles on or off.
Do all operas and plays offer surtitles?
Not all, but many operas and some plays offer surtitles, especially in venues catering to diverse audiences.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
