manivela
/ma.niˈvɛ.lɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for the noun crank is manivela.
As a noun, manivela refers to a bent piece of an axle or shaft or an arm attached to the end of a shaft or wheel, used to impart a rotation. Note that if you are using 'cranky' as an adjective to describe a person, you should use different words: ranzinza for someone cranky or grumpy, carrancudo(a) for someone who has a serious or fierce expression, giving the impression of being cranky or unapproachable, amargo(a) for someone bitter or grumpy or resmungão(ona) for someone who is constantly grumbling, grouchy or complaining.
Meaning: a bent piece of an axle or shaft, or an arm attached to the end of a shaft or wheel, used to impart a rotation (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of manivela is manivelas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables with the stress on the third syllable: /ma.niˈvɛ.lɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word carrancudo for a 'cranky' person is derived from carranca, a traditional wooden sculpture of a fierce face carved onto the bows of boats to ward off evil spirits.
- The Portuguese word manivela is borrowed from the French word manivelle.
- While manivela refers to the mechanical tool, a person who is 'cranky' might be called resmungão, which literally translates to 'big grumbler'.
Examples in context
- Este computador de baixo custo funciona com uma manivela quando não há eletricidade disponível e pode aceder a redes sem fios.The low-cost computer operates by hand-crank when electricity is unavailable and can access wireless networks.This sentence shows how a low-cost computer might operate using a manivela.Tatoeba #10973327 by Cangarejo, translation #10973326 by Cangarejo
- Ela acrescentou também que muitas crianças em zonas rurais não têm acesso ao rádio, por isso eles estão a trabalhar para lhes fornecer rádios que funcionam por energia solar e à manivela.She further added many children in rural areas don’t have access to radio so they are working to provide them with solar powered and crank powered radios.This sentence illustrates the use of a radio that is powered by both solar energy and a manivela.Tatoeba #10921471 by Cangarejo, translation #10921470 by Cangarejo
- Ana estava consertando a bicicleta quando percebeu que havia uma folga na manivela.Ana was fixing the bicycle when she noticed there was some play in the crank.
- Meu avô sempre foi um pouco ranzinza, mas adorável ao mesmo tempo.My grandfather has always been a bit cranky, but lovely at the same time.
- O professor de matemática parece sempre carrancudo, mas ele é bem legal quando se conhece melhor.The math teacher always seems cranky, but he's actually really nice once you get to know him better.
- A tia Lúcia anda tão amarga ultimamente. Ela precisa de uma mudança de atitude.Aunt Lucia has been so cranky lately, she needs a change in attitude.
- Meu irmão mais novo é um verdadeiro resmungão. Ele nunca está satisfeito com nada!My younger brother is a real crank. He's never satisfied with anything!
- A manivela do carro antigo está partida.The crank of the old car is broken.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are looking at an old piece of machinery in a garage.
- BeatrizGabriel, podes rodar esta manivela?Gabriel, can you turn this crank?
- GabrielNão consigo, ela parece estar presa.I can't, it seems to be stuck.
- BeatrizTalvez a manivela precise de óleo.Maybe the crank needs oil.
- GabrielVou verificar isso agora mesmo.I will check that right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crank” translations and entries manivela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manivela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
