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

Part of Speech

• Phrase (idiomatic expression)

Phonetic Transcription

• /ˈmano a ˈmano/

Translation Options into English

• Hand to hand
• One-on-one
• Direct confrontation

Meaning and Usage

"Mano a mano" is an idiomatic expression used in Spanish that typically refers to a face-to-face encounter or direct confrontation between two individuals. It can represent anything from a physical fight to a debate or challenge, underscoring a personal or direct aspect of the interaction. The phrase enjoys a level of colloquial use that makes it quite popular in both spoken and written contexts, though it may be somewhat more prevalent in oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. "Los dos boxeadores se enfrentarán mano a mano en el ring."

2. "The two boxers will face off hand to hand in the ring."

3. "El debate fue mano a mano, sin intermediarios."

4. "The debate was one-on-one, without intermediaries."

5. "Nos veremos mano a mano para discutir el proyecto."

6. "We will meet face to face to discuss the project."

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "mano a mano" frequently appears in various idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples along with their translations:

1. "Jugar mano a mano"
2. "To play one-on-one", often referring to a direct competition or challenge.
3. "El partido de baloncesto fue jugar mano a mano."

4. "The basketball game was a one-on-one match."

5. "Cosa de mano a mano"

6. "A matter settled face to face", signifying a direct resolution of an issue.
7. "La negociación se hizo cosa de mano a mano."

8. "The negotiation was settled face to face."

9. "Comer mano a mano"

10. "To eat in a direct, communal manner", implying sharing food closely with someone.
11. "En la fiesta, todos comimos mano a mano."

12. "At the party, we all ate together."

13. "Enfrentarse mano a mano"

14. "To confront face to face", often used when discussing challenges or disputes.
15. "Los dos candidatos se enfrentarán mano a mano en el debate."
16. "The two candidates will confront each other face to face in the debate."

Etymology

The phrase "mano a mano" literally translates to "hand to hand" in English. It is derived from the Spanish words "mano" meaning "hand", and "a" meaning "to" or "at". The construction evokes the image of direct physical proximity or interaction, reinforcing the meaning of direct engagement or confrontation.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: cara a cara (face to face), uno a uno (one-on-one), enfrentamiento directo (direct confrontation)

• Antonyms: a distancia (at a distance), indirecto (indirect), mediado (mediated)