manus
[ˈma.nʊs]feminine
The Latin word for hand is manus.
Manus is a noun used to refer to the part of the fore limb.
Meaning: part of the fore limb (noun)
Which one should you use?
While manus is the general term for a hand, the specific term dextera is used to refer to the right hand.
How does it change in a sentence?
Manus is a feminine noun. The accusative singular form is manum. The genitive plural form, meaning "of the hands," is manuum, and the ablative plural form, meaning "by/with/from the hands," is manibus.
Did you know?
- The Latin word for 'monstrous' or 'vast', immānis, may share a Proto-Indo-European root with manus through a word meaning 'good' or 'timely'.
- In legal and social contexts, the word manus could refer to the 'power' or 'control' a husband held over his wife.
- While manus means 'hand', the specific term dextera for the right hand is the root of the English word 'dexterity'.
Examples in context
- Manus Thomae pura est.Tom's hand is clean.This sentence shows the use of manus to describe a clean hand.Tatoeba #13983666 by rul, translation #8836145 by shekitten
- Manus valde mihi dolet.My hand really hurts.This sentence shows the use of manus to express that a hand hurts.Tatoeba #5122307 by alexmarcelo, translation #5132109 by CarpeLanam
- Eius contingebat manus sua.Her hand met his.This sentence shows the use of manus to describe hands meeting.Tatoeba #6304536 by RudeGuyGames, translation #6303734 by Hybrid
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are sitting in a garden.
- GaiusManus tua frigida est.Your hand is cold.
- LuciaIta, manus mea gelida est.Yes, my hand is icy.
- GaiusTene manum meam.Hold my hand.
- LuciaGratias tibi ago, Gai.Thank you, Gaius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand” translations and entries manus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
