gestos con las manos
/xestos kon las manos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hand gestures" is translated into Spanish as gestos con las manos.
This phrase refers to movements made with the hands to communicate an idea or a feeling. In practice, these can include specific actions such as giving a thumbs-up to indicate approval or agreement (Bueno) or tapping your temple with your index finger to indicate that someone is crazy (Está loco).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gestos (gestures), con (with), las (the) and manos (hands).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single hand gesture, the phrase changes to the singular gesto con la mano.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the 'OK' gesture made with the thumb and index finger can be interpreted as an insult or a vulgarity rather than a sign of agreement.
- The word gestos can refer to hand movements, but it is also commonly used to describe a 'favor' or a 'kind act', such as hacer un gesto meaning 'to make a gesture' of goodwill.
- In Spain, a specific gesto con la mano involving pinching the fingers together can signal that someone is fed up or has had enough, rather than indicating a small quantity.
Examples in context
- El profesor hizo una señal con la mano para que los estudiantes se callaran.The teacher made a hand signal for the students to be quiet.
- Hice un ademán de agradecimiento con la mano.I made a gesture of gratitude with my hand.
- El político hizo un movimiento de mano para saludar a la multitud.The politician made a hand movement to greet the crowd.
- Le hice una seña con la mano para que se acercara.I made a hand sign for him to come closer.
- Le hice un movimiento de dedo para indicarle que me siguiera.I made a finger movement to tell him to follow me.
- Ella usa muchos gestos con las manos al hablar.She uses many hand gestures when speaking.
- No entiendo sus gestos con las manos.I don't understand his hand gestures.
- Los gestos con las manos son importantes en la cultura.Hand gestures are important in the culture.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a foreign language learner.
- LucíaMateo usa muchos gestos con las manos.Mateo uses a lot of hand gestures.
- MateoSí, así se explica mejor.Yes, that way he explains himself better.
- LucíaA veces son muy expresivos.Sometimes they are very expressive.
- MateoEs común en su cultura.It is common in his culture.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
