manualidades
/manwalidades/from spelling rules
The English phrase "arts and crafts" is translated into Spanish as manualidades.
The term refers to handicrafts.
Meaning: handicrafts (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
manualidades is a plural noun derived from 'manual', meaning 'manual' or 'by hand'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of South America, the terms manualidades or artes manuales are used to refer to arts and crafts.
How do you pronounce it?
/manwalidades/
Did you know?
- If you are looking for high-quality, traditional folk art in a market, you should ask for artesanías rather than manualidades, as the latter can sound like amateurish school projects.
- The root word manual comes from the Latin manus, meaning 'hand', which is also the root of English words like 'manicure' and 'manufacture'.
- In some regions, if you want to describe the act of making things by hand, you might use the phrase labores manuales, which is often associated specifically with needlework and sewing.
Examples in context
- ¿Te gusta hacer manualidades en tu tiempo libre?Do you like doing arts and crafts in your free time?
- Me encanta descubrir nuevas técnicas de artes manuales.I love discovering new techniques for arts and crafts.
- Las manualidades son muy relajantes.Handicrafts are very relaxing.
- Compré materiales para mis manualidades.I bought materials for my handicrafts.
- Ella hace manualidades en su tiempo libre.She does handicrafts in her free time.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at a local community center.
- Elena¿Qué clase vas a tomar, Daniel?What class are you going to take, Daniel?
- DanielVoy a la clase de manualidades.I am going to the handicrafts class.
- Elena¡Qué divertido! Yo prefiero la pintura.How fun! I prefer painting.
- DanielA mí me gustan mucho las manualidades.I really like handicrafts.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry manualidades, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
