abanico
/abaˈniko/masculine
The Spanish word for hand fan is abanico. Wiktionary also lists pantalla.
Meaning: hand-held device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abanico | /abaˈniko/ | masculine |
| pantalla | /panˈtaʝa/ | Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, feminine |
The term refers to a hand-held device.
Which one should you use?
While pantalla is used in specific South American regions, abanico is the standard term used in most of the Spanish-speaking world.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, the word pantalla is used to refer to a hand fan.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun abanico becomes plural as abanicos. The feminine noun pantalla becomes plural as pantallas.
How do you pronounce it?
/abaˈniko/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the way a woman uses her abanico can act as a silent language, signaling social or romantic interests.
- If you call a hand fan a pantalla in Spain, people might think you are talking about a computer screen or a cinema screen.
- The word pantalla is actually a linguistic traveler, having been borrowed from Catalan to enter the Spanish language.
Examples in context
- El abanico es un elemento icónico de la cultura española.The hand fan is an iconic element of Spanish culture.
- El abanico es de seda.The hand fan is made of silk.
- Compré un abanico en la tienda.I bought a hand fan at the shop.
- Necesito un abanico por el calor.I need a hand fan because of the heat.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are walking in a hot city.
- ElenaHace mucho calor, Daniel.It is very hot, Daniel.
- DanielUsa mi abanico si quieres.Use my hand fan if you want.
- ElenaGracias, es un abanico muy bonito.Thank you, it is a very pretty hand fan.
- DanielDe nada, Elena.You're welcome, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand fan” translations and entries abanico, pantalla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abanico, pantalla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
