manualidades
/manwalidades/from spelling rules
The English phrase "crafts" is translated into Spanish as manualidades.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from manual (hand/manual) and the suffix -idades (a suffix used to form abstract nouns), literally implying things done by hand.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term artes manuales may be used instead of trabajos manuales.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the plural manualidades is the standard way to refer to the hobby or the category of crafts, the singular form manualidad can be used to refer to a single specific craft project.
How do you pronounce it?
/manwalidades/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, calling a professional's work manualidades can be seen as belittling, as it implies the work is a simple school project rather than skilled art.
- In a professional workshop, you might hear the term oficio to describe a person's craft or trade, such as a carpenter's craft.
- The term artesanía often implies a connection to a specific region or indigenous community, something the word manualidades lacks.
Examples in context
- Usa acrílicos para manualidades.Use acrylic for crafts.Tatoeba #14049861 by Eremon, translation #11958751 by Amastan
- Me encanta hacer artesanía con materiales reciclados.I love making crafts with recycled materials.
- Vamos a organizar una tarde de manualidades en casa.Let's organize an afternoon of crafts at home.
- Compré materiales para mis manualidades.I bought materials for my crafts.
- A ella le encantan las manualidades.She loves crafts.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about their weekend hobbies at a cafe.
- Mateo¿Vas a hacer manualidades este fin de semana?Are you going to do crafts this weekend?
- ElenaSí, quiero terminar un proyecto de manualidades.Yes, I want to finish a crafts project.
- MateoQué buena idea, Elena.That's a good idea, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, es muy relajante.Thanks, Mateo, it's very relaxing.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
