pasamano
/ˌpasaˈmano/masculine
The English word handrail is translated into Spanish as pasamano. Wiktionary also lists barandilla and baranda.
Meaning: rail which can be held (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pasamano | /ˌpasaˈmano/ | masculine |
| barandilla | /baɾanˈdiʝa/ | feminine |
| baranda | /baˈɾanda/ | feminine |
| rastel | /rastel/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| barandado | /baɾandado/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| barandal | /baɾanˈdal/ | masculine |
| barandaje | /baɾandaxe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term handrail refers to a rail that can be held for support.
Which one should you use?
pasamano specifically describes the part of a railing designed to be gripped by the hand. In contrast, barandilla and baranda often refer to the entire railing structure, including the balusters.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may use barandal instead of baranda to mean handrail.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although the singular form is pasamano, it is very common to see the form pasamanos used even when referring to a single handrail.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpasaˈmano/
Did you know?
- The word baranda is a close relative of the English word 'veranda'. Both are descendants of the Sanskrit word varaṇḍa, which meant 'barrier' or 'partition'.
- The suffix -illa in barandilla is a diminutive. While it often implies a smaller size, here it describes a specific type of architectural element.
Examples in context
- Agarra la barandilla.Hold the handrail.Tatoeba #4557853 by swyter, translation #265901 by CK
- Agárrate al pasamanos.Hold on to the handrail.Tatoeba #435123 by lukaszpp, translation #435122 by lukaszpp
- El niño travieso se rompió la pierna, se hubiera roto la cabeza de no ser porque se sujetó de la baranda oportunamente.The naughty boy broke his leg. He would have cracked his skull if he hadn't grabbed the handrail in time.Tatoeba #1046338 by oscarguille, translation #2321170 by marcelostockle
- Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo encontrar una baranda en este edificio?Excuse me, where can I find a handrail in this building?
- Por favor, indíqueme dónde está el pasamanos más cercano.Please, could you tell me where the nearest handrail is?
- Oye, ¿dónde está la barandilla? No quiero tropezarme bajando las escaleras.Hey, where's the handrail? I don't want to trip while going down the stairs.
- ¿Dónde está el pasamano? Quiero sujetarme mientras bajo.Where's the handrail? I want to hold on while I go down.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are walking down a staircase.
- MateoTen cuidado, Elena, usa el pasamano.Be careful, Elena, use the handrail.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, tienes razón.Thanks, Mateo, you are right.
- MateoEl pasamano está un poco húmedo.The handrail is a bit damp.
- ElenaNo importa, me sujetaré con fuerza.It doesn't matter, I will hold on tight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handrail” translations and entries pasamano, barandilla, baranda, barandal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baranda, barandilla, pasamano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
