picaporte
/pikaˈpoɾte/masculine
The English phrase 'door handle' is translated into Spanish using several terms, the default being picaporte. Wiktionary also lists manilla and manija.
Meaning: mechanism used to open or close a door (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| picaporte | /pikaˈpoɾte/ | masculine |
| manilla | /maˈniʝa/ | feminine |
| manija | /maˈnixa/ | feminine |
| tirador | /tiɾaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
The terms used for 'door handle' can vary depending on whether you are referring to the mechanism that operates a latch or a simple handle used for pulling.
Which one should you use?
picaporte and manilla both refer to the mechanism used to operate a latch to keep a door closed. In contrast, tirador refers more specifically to a handle or knob used for pulling, such as on a drawer or a door that lacks a latch mechanism.
Is it said differently in some regions?
manija is the standard word for a door handle in most of Latin America. In certain parts of Spain, locals may refer to a door handle as picaporte.
How do you pronounce it?
/pikaˈpoɾte/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word manilla shares a common ancestor with the English word 'manacle', the heavy iron cuff used to restrain a prisoner's hands.
- In some regions, manija is used for more than just doors, such as the handle of a pan or a suitcase.
- The word tirador is derived from the verb tirar, which means 'to pull' or 'to throw'.
Examples in context
- Al girar el pomo de la puerta, la abrió suavementeAs she turned the door handle, she opened it gently
- Puedes abrir la puerta girando el asa hacia la derechaYou can open the door by turning the door handle to the right
- Por favor, no jales tan fuerte el mango de la puertaPlease don'q pull the door handle so hard
- El picaporte de la puerta está suelto.The door handle is loose.
- Necesito comprar un picaporte nuevo.I need to buy a new door handle.
- No puedo girar el picaporte.I cannot turn the door handle.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in their living room looking at a broken door.
- Javier¿Qué le pasa a la puerta?What is wrong with the door?
- ElenaEl picaporte se ha roto.The door handle has broken.
- Javier¡Qué mala suerte!What bad luck!
- ElenaIré a la ferretería ahora.I will go to the hardware store now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “door handle” translations and entries picaporte, manilla, manija, tirador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manija, manilla, picaporte, tirador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
