a mano (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "a mano" functions as an adverbial expression in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/a ˈmano/

Translation Options into English

• by hand
• manually

Meaning and Usage

The expression "a mano" is used in Spanish to refer to something done by hand, manually, or without the use of machinery. It emphasizes the method of doing something in a direct, personal manner. This phrase is commonly used in various contexts, including crafts, cooking, and work. It is frequently used in both oral and written forms, although the context may determine its prevalence.

Example Sentences

1. Me gusta cocinar la pizza a mano.

2. I like to make the pizza by hand.

3. El artista creó la escultura a mano.

4. The artist created the sculpture by hand.

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "a mano" is also found in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish.

1. A mano limpia
2. Signifies doing something without any tools or without any help.
3. Ejemplo: Preferimos hacer el trabajo a mano limpia para asegurar la calidad.

4. Translation: We prefer to do the work by hand to ensure quality.

5. Estar a mano

6. Means to be even, balanced, or settled in terms of debts or obligations.
7. Ejemplo: Después de pagar la cuenta, estamos a mano con el restaurante.

8. Translation: After paying the bill, we are squared with the restaurant.

9. Poner algo a mano

10. Refers to preparing or bringing something within easy reach.
11. Ejemplo: Siempre pongo los ingredientes a mano antes de comenzar a cocinar.

12. Translation: I always put the ingredients at hand before I start cooking.

13. A mano de Dios

14. This idiom implies something done with divine intervention or extreme care.
15. Ejemplo: Él realizó el proyecto a mano de Dios, asegurándose de que todo estuviera perfecto.
16. Translation: He completed the project by the grace of God, ensuring everything was perfect.

Etymology

The expression "a mano" comes from the combination of "a," which translates to "to" or "at," and "mano," which means "hand." It reflects the action of using one's hands to perform tasks, emphasizing a more personal and direct involvement in the action being described.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Manualmente (manually)
• Con la mano (with the hand)

Antonyms

• Automáticamente (automatically)
• Con maquinaria (with machinery)

This information provides a thorough understanding of the expression "a mano" in the Spanish language and offers insights into its practical usage, idioms, and linguistic features.