Meaning
To be naturally skilled or proficient at a particular task or activity.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'tener buena mano' is frequently used in the context of cooking, especially regarding 'la cocina de la abuela'. Mexicans often use this to describe someone who is good at making 'salsa' or 'tortillas', which are seen as arts. In Argentina, it is often applied to 'asadores' (people who grill meat), a highly respected skill. It is commonly used to describe someone who is good at 'tratar con la gente' (dealing with people) in a professional or social setting.
Use 'para'
Always remember to use 'para' after 'buena mano' to specify the activity.
Don't use for school subjects
Avoid saying 'Tengo buena mano para las matemáticas'. Use 'Soy bueno en matemáticas'.
Meaning
To be naturally skilled or proficient at a particular task or activity.
Use 'para'
Always remember to use 'para' after 'buena mano' to specify the activity.
Don't use for school subjects
Avoid saying 'Tengo buena mano para las matemáticas'. Use 'Soy bueno en matemáticas'.
Combine with 'muy'
Add 'muy' to emphasize the level of talent: 'Tiene muy buena mano para la pintura'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Ella tiene buena mano ____ la repostería.
The idiom requires 'para' to connect the talent to the activity.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
The idiom uses the singular 'mano' and no article.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¡Qué bien te han quedado las plantas! B: Gracias, es que ____.
The context of plants requires the idiom for natural talent.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone is great at fixing broken electronics.
Fixing things requires manual skill/talent.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElla tiene buena mano ____ la repostería.
The idiom requires 'para' to connect the talent to the activity.
Choose the best option.
The idiom uses the singular 'mano' and no article.
A: ¡Qué bien te han quedado las plantas! B: Gracias, es que ____.
The context of plants requires the idiom for natural talent.
Someone is great at fixing broken electronics.
Fixing things requires manual skill/talent.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, solo para actividades prácticas o sociales.
No, 'manitas' is for DIY/repairs, 'buena mano' is broader.
The idiom is fixed in the singular.
Sí, es un cumplido muy positivo.
It's better to omit 'una'.
Sí, es universal.
Simply say '¡Muchas gracias!'
Es neutral, funciona en casi cualquier contexto.
Sí, especialmente para deportes que requieren técnica.
It sounds incorrect; use 'para'.
Related Phrases
Tener mano izquierda
similarTo be diplomatic.
Se le da bien
synonymTo be good at something.
Tener don de gentes
similarTo have a gift for people.
Ser un manitas
similarTo be a handyman.
