In Italian, 'mano' means 'hand'. Even though it ends with an 'o', it's actually a feminine noun. So, you'll use 'la mano' (the hand) or 'le mani' (the hands). This is a common word you'll use often.
§ What does 'mano' mean?
The Italian word mano (pronounced MAH-noh) means 'hand' in English. It's a fundamental word in Italian, just like in English, and you'll hear it and use it constantly. You use your hands for practically everything, right? So, it makes sense that the word for 'hand' is a basic and very important part of everyday Italian.
Even though 'mano' ends with an -o, which usually means a word is masculine in Italian, mano is actually a feminine noun. This is an exception you need to remember. So, you'll always use feminine articles and adjectives with it. For example, 'la mano' (the hand) and 'le mani' (the hands).
§ When do people use 'mano'?
You use 'mano' in Italian just like you use 'hand' in English. It refers to the part of your arm below the wrist. Simple enough. But just like in English, 'mano' also appears in many common phrases and expressions. Let's look at some basic examples:
- DEFINITION
- Referring to the anatomical part of the body.
Ho una mela in mano.
This means: I have an apple in my hand.
Dammi la tua mano.
This means: Give me your hand.
Le sue mani sono grandi.
This means: His/Her hands are big.
Beyond the literal meaning, 'mano' is also used to talk about tasks, help, or control. Think about how many phrases in English use 'hand' in a non-literal way, like 'to lend a hand' or 'in good hands.' Italian does the same thing.
§ Common phrases with 'mano'
Here are a few common phrases where 'mano' is used, and what they mean:
- Dare una mano: This literally means 'to give a hand,' and it means 'to help someone.'
- DEFINITION
- To help someone (literally, to give a hand).
- Avere in mano: This means 'to have in hand' or 'to have control over something.'
- DEFINITION
- To have control or possession of something.
- A mano: This means 'by hand,' indicating something done manually.
- DEFINITION
- Done manually, by hand.
Posso darti una mano?
This means: Can I give you a hand (help you)?
Ho la situazione in mano.
This means: I have the situation in hand (under control).
Fatto a mano.
This means: Made by hand.
You'll pick up these phrases naturally as you continue learning Italian. For now, just focus on the basic meaning and the important gender exception.
§ How to Use 'Mano' in a Sentence
The Italian word for 'hand' is 'mano'. It's a fundamental word you'll use often. Even though it ends in '-o', it's a feminine noun. This is an exception to the general rule that words ending in '-o' are masculine. So, remember: la mano (the hand), le mani (the hands).
§ Basic Usage
You can use 'mano' just like you'd use 'hand' in English. It refers to the physical part of the body.
Ho una mela in mano.
- Translation hint
- I have an apple in (my) hand.
Le sue mani sono grandi.
- Translation hint
- His/Her hands are big.
§ Common Prepositions with 'Mano'
Italian uses prepositions to connect words and phrases, just like English. Here are some common prepositions you'll see with 'mano':
- in mano (in hand, in one's possession)
- con la mano (with the hand, by hand)
- dalla mano (from the hand)
- a mano (by hand, handmade)
Let's look at some examples:
Teneva un libro in mano.
- Translation hint
- He/She held a book in (his/her) hand.
Ho scritto la lettera a mano.
- Translation hint
- I wrote the letter by hand.
Mi ha preso la mano.
- Translation hint
- He/She took my hand.
Notice how we often don't need a possessive adjective (like 'my' or 'your') with body parts in Italian if the context makes it clear whose hand it is. This is a common difference from English!
§ Idiomatic Expressions with 'Mano'
'Mano' is also part of many common Italian idioms. Here are a couple you might hear:
- Dare una mano (to give a hand, to help)
- Avere le mani in pasta (to have one's hands in the dough, to be involved in something)
Puoi darmi una mano con questo?
- Translation hint
- Can you give me a hand (help me) with this?
Lui ha sempre le mani in pasta in tutti i progetti.
- Translation hint
- He always has his hands in the dough (is involved) in all the projects.
Understanding these common phrases will make your Italian sound more natural. Keep practicing using 'mano' in different contexts, and you'll get the hang of it quickly!
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
Non ho alzato la mano in segno di resa, bensì per richiamare la sua attenzione in mezzo alla folla.
I didn't raise my hand as a sign of surrender, but rather to get his attention in the middle of the crowd.
Con la mano ferma di un chirurgo esperto, incise la linea sottile che avrebbe cambiato il corso dell'operazione.
With the steady hand of a skilled surgeon, he incised the thin line that would change the course of the operation.
La sua mano tremava leggermente mentre firmava il documento che avrebbe sigillato il suo destino.
His hand trembled slightly as he signed the document that would seal his fate.
Dopo aver giocato a carte per ore, le sue mani erano stanche e le sue dita doloranti.
After playing cards for hours, his hands were tired and his fingers sore.
Mi ha dato una mano a sollevare la scatola pesante, dimostrando la sua inaspettata forza.
He gave me a hand to lift the heavy box, demonstrating his unexpected strength.
La mano invisibile del mercato, secondo Adam Smith, guida l'economia verso l'equilibrio.
The invisible hand of the market, according to Adam Smith, guides the economy towards equilibrium.
Aveva la situazione in mano, gestendo ogni dettaglio con precisione e calma ammirevoli.
He had the situation in hand, managing every detail with admirable precision and calm.
Mi strinse la mano con una presa salda, un gesto che comunicava fiducia e determinazione.
He shook my hand with a firm grip, a gesture that communicated trust and determination.
Nonostante le avversità, ha sempre mantenuto la mano ferma, guidando l'azienda attraverso tempeste finanziarie con una saggezza ammirevole.
Despite adversities, he always kept a steady hand, guiding the company through financial storms with admirable wisdom.
figurative use of 'mano ferma' (steady hand)
La sua mano esperta nel campo della diplomazia internazionale gli ha permesso di tessere accordi complessi che hanno ridefinito gli equilibri geopolitici.
His expert hand in the field of international diplomacy allowed him to weave complex agreements that redefined geopolitical balances.
'mano esperta' (expert hand) indicating skill
Con un gesto rapido della mano, il direttore d'orchestra ha evocato un crescendo mozzafiato che ha lasciato il pubblico senza fiato.
With a quick flick of his hand, the orchestra conductor evoked a breathtaking crescendo that left the audience breathless.
'gesto della mano' (hand gesture)
Nonostante le prove schiaccianti, ha tentato di negare il suo coinvolgimento, ma le sue mani tremanti tradivano la sua menzogna.
Despite overwhelming evidence, he tried to deny his involvement, but his trembling hands betrayed his lie.
'mani tremanti' (trembling hands) indicating nervousness
Dopo anni di dedizione, il maestro artigiano ha finalmente completato l'opera, un capolavoro forgiato con le sue stesse mani, intriso di storia e passione.
After years of dedication, the master artisan finally completed the work, a masterpiece forged with his own hands, steeped in history and passion.
'con le sue stesse mani' (with his own hands) emphasizing personal creation
In un atto di pura generosità, ha teso la mano a chiunque ne avesse bisogno, offrendo conforto e sostegno senza chiedere nulla in cambio.
In an act of pure generosity, he extended his hand to anyone in need, offering comfort and support without asking for anything in return.
'tendere la mano' (to extend a hand) meaning to help
La mano invisibile del mercato, pur non essendo percepibile direttamente, influenza profondamente le dinamiche economiche globali, plasmando il destino delle nazioni.
The invisible hand of the market, though not directly perceivable, profoundly influences global economic dynamics, shaping the destiny of nations.
'mano invisibile' (invisible hand) as an economic concept
Con la mano sul cuore, giurò fedeltà ai principi che aveva sempre sostenuto, dimostrando una coerenza e una rettitudine esemplari.
With his hand on his heart, he swore loyalty to the principles he had always upheld, demonstrating exemplary consistency and rectitude.
'con la mano sul cuore' (with hand on heart) expressing sincerity
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
Finger, often confused as part of the hand but specifically a digit.
Arm, a larger limb connected to the hand but distinct.
Palm, the inner surface of the hand, a specific part.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"dare una mano"
to give a hand, to help out
Mi puoi dare una mano con questi pacchi? (Can you give me a hand with these packages?)
neutral"a portata di mano"
within reach, handy
Tengo sempre il telefono a portata di mano. (I always keep my phone handy.)
neutral"stringere la mano"
to shake hands
Ci siamo stretti la mano dopo l'accordo. (We shook hands after the agreement.)
neutral"lavarsene le mani"
to wash one's hands of it (to disclaim responsibility)
Non voglio più problemi, me ne lavo le mani. (I don't want any more problems, I wash my hands of it.)
neutral"fuori mano"
out of the way, inconveniently located
Quel ristorante è un po' fuori mano. (That restaurant is a bit out of the way.)
neutral"avere le mani in pasta"
to have a hand in something, to be involved
Lui ha le mani in pasta in molti progetti. (He has his hands in many projects.)
informal"con le mani in mano"
doing nothing, idle
Non stare lì con le mani in mano, aiutami! (Don't just stand there doing nothing, help me!)
neutral"mettere le mani avanti"
to make excuses beforehand, to anticipate problems
Ha già messo le mani avanti per giustificare il ritardo. (He's already made excuses in advance to justify the delay.)
neutral"un colpo di mano"
a coup, a swift action
Hanno organizzato un colpo di mano per prendere il controllo. (They organized a coup to take control.)
neutral"prendere in mano la situazione"
to take control of the situation
Era necessario che qualcuno prendesse in mano la situazione. (It was necessary for someone to take control of the situation.)
neutralआसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Many English speakers assume that nouns ending in '-o' are masculine. However, 'mano' is one of the exceptions and is feminine.
While most Italian nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, 'mano' is feminine, meaning it takes feminine articles and adjectives.
La mia mano è piccola. (My hand is small.)
Sounds similar to 'mano' and refers to a part of something you hold, but it's not a human hand.
'Mano' is the human hand. 'Manico' refers to a handle (of a bag, tool, cup, etc.).
Il manico della tazza è rotto. (The handle of the cup is broken.)
This is the plural form of 'mano', but its pluralization is irregular in a way that can trip up learners.
The plural of 'mano' is 'mani', not 'manos' as one might incorrectly assume following typical '-o' to '-i' pluralization.
Mi lavo le mani. (I wash my hands.)
This word shares the 'mano-' prefix, suggesting a connection to hands or manual action, but it has a distinct meaning.
While related to actions performed by hand, 'manovra' means 'maneuver' or 'operation'.
La nave ha fatto una manovra difficile. (The ship performed a difficult maneuver.)
Again, the 'man-' root can lead to confusion, as it's a verb related to handling.
'Mano' is the noun for 'hand'. 'Maneggiare' is the verb 'to handle' or 'to manage'.
Devi maneggiare con cura questo pacco. (You must handle this package with care.)
शब्द परिवार
संज्ञा
क्रिया
विशेषण
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
The word 'mano' is feminine, even though it ends in '-o'. This is an exception to the general rule that words ending in '-o' are masculine. So you'll use 'la mano' (the hand) and 'le mani' (the hands).
A common mistake is treating 'mano' as masculine because of its '-o' ending. Remember, it's la mano, not 'il mano'.
सुझाव
Gender and Plural of Mano
Although 'mano' ends in -o, it's a feminine noun. So it's 'la mano' (the hand) and 'le mani' (the hands). Don't get tripped up!
Common Phrases with Mano
You'll hear 'mano' in many common phrases. For example, 'dare una mano' means to give a hand (to help).
Mano for Handwriting
Italians often use 'mano' to refer to someone's handwriting, like 'che bella mano!' (what beautiful handwriting!).
Mano as a Side
'Mano' can also mean a side or direction. 'A mano destra' means to the right hand side.
Cooking with Mano
In cooking, 'fatto a mano' means handmade or homemade, like 'pasta fatta a mano'.
Expression of Handful
'Un pugno di mano' literally means a fistful of hand, but it's used to mean a small quantity or a handful.
Mano for a Coat of Paint
You might hear 'una mano di vernice' which translates to a coat of paint. Useful for DIY projects!
Idiomatic Use: Sotto mano
'Sotto mano' means handy or readily available. 'Ho il libro sotto mano.' (I have the book handy.)
Plural Pronunciation of Mani
When 'mano' becomes plural 'mani', remember the 'i' sounds like the 'ee' in see. 'Mah-nee'.
Practice with Gestures
Italians use their hands a lot when speaking! Try practicing 'mano' while making some Italian hand gestures. It will help you remember it.
खुद को परखो 24 सवाल
Which of these means 'hand'?
'Mano' is the Italian word for 'hand'.
If you say 'Dammi la mano', what are you asking for?
'Mano' means hand. 'Dammi la mano' means 'Give me your hand'.
Which sentence uses 'mano' correctly?
'Mani' is the plural form of 'mano' (hand).
The word 'mano' is masculine in Italian.
Despite ending in -o, 'mano' is a feminine noun in Italian.
The plural of 'mano' is 'manos'.
The plural of 'mano' is 'mani'.
If you point to your hand, you would say 'Questa è la mia mano'.
'Mano' means hand, and 'mia' means my (feminine singular).
The correct order is 'È la mano sinistra piccola.', meaning 'The left hand is small.'
The correct order is 'Per favore, alza su le mani.', meaning 'Please, raise your hands.'
The correct order is 'Tengo la borsa nella mano destra.', meaning 'I hold the bag in my right hand.'
Il successo del progetto è stato raggiunto grazie alla sua ___ ferma e alla sua visione chiara. (The project's success was achieved thanks to his firm ___ and clear vision.)
In this context, 'mano ferma' (firm hand) is an idiom meaning steady leadership or control, which fits the idea of achieving project success through clear vision.
Nonostante le difficoltà iniziali, ha saputo tenere le redini della situazione con grande abilità, dimostrando di avere la situazione in ___. (Despite initial difficulties, he managed to steer the situation with great skill, showing he had the situation in ___.)
'Avere la situazione in mano' (to have the situation in hand) is an idiom that means to be in control of a situation, which aligns with demonstrating great skill in managing difficulties.
Con l'espansione del mercato, l'azienda si trova a dover affrontare una maggiore mole di lavoro e, di conseguenza, ha bisogno di nuove ___ d'opera. (With market expansion, the company faces a greater workload and, consequently, needs new ___.)
'Mani d'opera' (hands of work) is an idiom meaning workforce or labor, which is appropriate for a company facing increased workload due to market expansion.
La corruzione è un cancro che si annida in ogni angolo della società e che è difficile da estirpare perché passa di ___ in ___. (Corruption is a cancer that lurks in every corner of society and is difficult to eradicate because it passes from ___ to ___.)
'Passare di mano in mano' (to pass from hand to hand) is an idiom indicating something being exchanged or distributed among many people, often illicitly, fitting the context of corruption.
Dopo anni di esperienza nel settore, è diventato il braccio destro del direttore e ora ha carta ___ in tutte le decisioni importanti. (After years of experience in the sector, he became the director's right-hand man and now has a free ___ in all important decisions.)
'Avere carta bianca' (to have a free hand) is an idiom meaning to have full authority or discretion, which is fitting for a trusted right-hand man in important decisions.
La situazione economica è talmente precaria che molte famiglie si trovano a dover vivere alla giornata, senza sapere cosa porterà il futuro, né da che ___ prendere. (The economic situation is so precarious that many families have to live day to day, without knowing what the future will bring, or which ___ to take.)
'Non sapere da che mano prendere' (not to know which hand to take) is an idiom meaning to be at a loss, not knowing what to do or where to start, which describes a precarious economic situation.
In un contesto figurato, quale delle seguenti espressioni con 'mano' suggerisce l'idea di un aiuto o un contributo decisivo?
'Dare una mano' significa aiutare, offrire il proprio contributo. Le altre opzioni hanno significati diversi: 'lavarsene le mani' (disinteressarsi), 'avere le mani legate' (non poter agire), 'mettere le mani avanti' (cercare scuse preventive).
Se qualcuno dice di avere 'le mani bucate', cosa intende comunicare riguardo al proprio rapporto con il denaro?
L'espressione 'avere le mani bucate' indica la tendenza a spendere molto, a non riuscire a trattenere il denaro, come se scivolasse via dalle mani.
Quale delle seguenti frasi utilizza 'mano' in senso figurato per indicare la responsabilità o la paternità di un'azione o un'opera?
In questo contesto, 'la mano che ha dipinto l'affresco' si riferisce all'autore, all'artista responsabile dell'opera, non all'organo fisico. Le altre frasi usano 'mano' in senso letterale o per indicare un gesto fisico.
L'espressione 'dare la propria mano' significa impegnarsi in matrimonio con qualcuno.
'Dare la propria mano' è un'espressione tradizionale e figurata per indicare il fidanzamento o l'impegno a sposarsi con qualcuno.
Se si dice che 'qualcosa è a portata di mano', significa che è difficile da raggiungere o ottenere.
'A portata di mano' significa che qualcosa è facilmente raggiungibile, accessibile o disponibile, il contrario di difficile da raggiungere.
L'espressione 'essere di buona mano' si riferisce alla generosità di una persona che è solita aiutare gli altri.
'Essere di buona mano' si riferisce all'abilità o alla manualità di una persona nel fare qualcosa, non alla sua generosità.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
Gender and Plural of Mano
Although 'mano' ends in -o, it's a feminine noun. So it's 'la mano' (the hand) and 'le mani' (the hands). Don't get tripped up!
Common Phrases with Mano
You'll hear 'mano' in many common phrases. For example, 'dare una mano' means to give a hand (to help).
Mano for Handwriting
Italians often use 'mano' to refer to someone's handwriting, like 'che bella mano!' (what beautiful handwriting!).
Mano as a Side
'Mano' can also mean a side or direction. 'A mano destra' means to the right hand side.
संबंधित सामग्री
संदर्भ में सीखें
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
संबंधित मुहावरे
health के और शब्द
affamato
A1Feeling a need for food
alleviamento
C1The act of making a pain or problem less severe.
ammalarsi
B1To become ill or get sick.
asettico
C1Sterile or lacking emotional involvement
assetato
A1Feeling a need for water
assistenza
B1The action of helping someone.
astinenza
C1the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
benessere
B1The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
bocca
A1The orifice for eating and speaking.
capelli
A1Strands growing on the human head.
