asa
/ˈasa/
The Spanish word asa can mean handle or he/she/it roasts.
When used as a noun, asa refers to the handle of a vessel, such as a cup, mug or pot.
Which one should you use?
The word asa can function as a noun meaning 'handle' or as a verb meaning 'he/she/it roasts' (from the verb asar).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈasa/
Did you know?
- Despite being a feminine noun, the word asa uses the masculine article el in the singular el asa to avoid a clash of 'a' sounds.
- While asa means 'handle' in Spanish, its cognate in Portuguese asa means 'wing'.
- While asa refers to the handle of a pot, the word mango is the standard term for the handle of a tool, despite 'mango' also being a fruit.
Examples in context
- Sostenga la agarradera de la taza con cuidado.Hold the cup handle carefully.
- Agarra la asita de la bolsa para llevarla.Grab the bag handle to carry it.
- Sujeta el mango de la olla mientras lo vacías.Hold the pot handle while you empty it.
- Por favor, sujete la manija de la valija con ambas manos.Please hold the suitcase handle with both hands.
- El asidero de la caja está casi roto, ten cuidado al levantarla.The box handle is almost broken, be careful when lifting it.
- Esa taza tiene una asa muy pequeña.That cup has a very small handle.
- ¿Puedes sujetar la asa de la maleta?Can you hold the handle of the suitcase?
Example conversation
María and Mateo are cleaning the kitchen.
- MaríaMateo, ¿puedes pasarme esa olla?Mateo, can you pass me that pot?
- MateoSí, pero ten cuidado con el asa.Yes, but be careful with the handle.
- MaríaGracias, el asa está muy caliente.Thanks, the handle is very hot.
- MateoUsa un guante para agarrarla.Use a glove to grab it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry asa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
