Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gesto | /ˈxesto/ | masculine |
| ademán | /adeˈman/ | masculine |
| amague | /aˈmaɡe/ | masculine |
| mariguanza | /maɾiˈɡwanθa/ /maɾiˈɡwansa/ |
feminine |
The term refers to a motion of the limbs or body. It is commonly used to describe facial expressions or symbolic acts, such as a gesture of kindness. You can also use the related adjective gestual to describe things related to gestures or body language, or the verb gestear to mean making or expressing something through a gesture.
Which one should you use?
While gesto can mean a physical motion, it is most commonly used to refer to a facial expression or a symbolic act of goodwill. In contrast, ademán specifically refers to a physical movement of the hands or body, often used to describe a person's manner or a specific motion made while speaking. For a playful and affectionate way to refer to a small gesture, you might use the informal term gestito.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxesto/
When do people say it?
The phrase gesto de buena voluntad is a standard way to describe a symbolic act intended to show kindness or resolve a conflict.
Did you know?
- The word ademán might trace its origins back to the Arabic word for 'guarantee' or 'assurance', suggesting that a person's physical manner is seen as a reflection of their character.
- In some contexts, the word amague can describe a 'feint' or a deceptive movement, such as a sudden motion made to trick an opponent in sports.
- Spanish uses the term lenguaje gestual to cover everything from sign language to unconscious body language, blending physical 'gestures' with the broader concept of communication.
Examples in context
- Este gesto vale más que mil palabras.This gesture is worth more than a thousand words.This sentence shows the use of gesto to describe a meaningful act.Tatoeba #1325763 by hayastan, translation #1326930 by marcelostockle
- La aerolínea ofreció alojamiento gratuito a los pasajeros atrapados como un gesto de buena voluntad.The airline provided free accommodation to stranded passengers as a goodwill gesture.This sentence uses gesto in the standard phrase for a gesture of goodwill.Tatoeba #5034477 by albrusgher, translation #2951709 by patgfisher
- Una vez hubo saciado su apetito, se levantó y se marchó, sin un gesto, sin una felicitación, y lo que es peor: sin pagar.Once they had satiated their appetite, they got up and left without a gesture, without congratulation, and worst of all: without paying.This sentence uses gesto to describe the absence of a physical or symbolic reaction.Tatoeba #2130835 by Shishir, translation #13616478 by theHydroLance
- El gesto que realizó fue muy expresivoThe gesture he made was very expressive
- Hizo un ademán de despedidaHe made a farewell gesture
- Hizo una seña con la mano para que parara su vehículoHe made a gesture with his hand to make him stop his vehicle
- Me encanta su estilo gestual al hablarI love their gestural style when they speak
- Hizo un movimiento con la mano para saludarHe made a gesture with his hand to say hello
- Le hice un pequeño gestito para animarloI made him a little gesture to cheer him up
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a confusing conversation they had with a friend.
- ElenaNo entendí lo que quiso decir con ese gesto.I didn't understand what he meant by that gesture.
- MateoCreo que estaba tratando de decir que no.I think he was trying to say no.
- ElenaPero fue un gesto muy extraño, Mateo.But it was a very strange gesture, Mateo.
- MateoA veces se comunica así cuando está nervioso.Sometimes he communicates like that when he is nervous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gesture” translations and entries gesto, ademán, amague, mariguanza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ademán, amague, gesto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
