mano
/ˈma.no/feminine
The Italian word for hand is mano.
mano refers to the part of the fore limb. You can use the idiomatic phrase dare una mano to mean providing help or assistance, which is similar to the English expression 'to lend a hand'.
Meaning: part of the fore limb (noun)
Which one should you use?
When you say dare la mano, the use of the definite article refers to the physical body part. In contrast, the phrase dare una mano uses the indefinite article to express the idiomatic meaning of providing help.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun mano is feminine, even though it ends in -o. This means it requires feminine articles and adjectives, such as la mano. The plural form is le mani, as in le tue mani (your hands).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈma.no/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of mano might be linked to the Proto-Indo-European verb meaning 'to beckon', suggesting the word originally described a gesture of calling someone.
- The Italian phrase mettere la mano can mean to touch something, but in a financial context, it often means to dip into savings or steal money.
- Italian uses the phrase essere in mano a qualcuno to mean that someone is under the total control or power of another person.
Examples in context
- Mi dia la mano.Give me your hand.This sentence demonstrates a request to give a physical hand.Tatoeba #3260740 by Guybrush88, translation #3151444 by CK
- Mi dia una mano.Lend me a hand.This sentence shows how to use the idiom for providing help.Tatoeba #1260387 by Guybrush88, translation #265939 by CK
- Le dia una mano.Give her a hand.This sentence illustrates the idiomatic use of providing help to a third party.Tatoeba #5732315 by Guybrush88, translation #3915895 by CH
- Mi piace sentire la tua mano nella mia.I love feeling your hand in mine.
- I bambini disegnavano con entrambe le mani.The children were drawing with both hands.
- 796 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are sitting at a cafe.
- MartinaHo un piccolo dolore alla mano.I have a little pain in my hand.
- LorenzoVuoi che ti porti del ghiaccio?Do you want me to bring you some ice?
- MartinaNo grazie, la mia mano sta già meglio.No thanks, my hand is already feeling better.
- LorenzoPer fortuna, mi ero preoccupato per te.Fortunately, I was worried about you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand” translations and entries mano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
