manos libres
/manos libɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase hands-free device is manos libres in Spanish.
The term manos libres can function as both a noun (the device itself) and an adjective (describing a feature or a mode of operation).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase manos libres literally translates to free hands.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, dispositivo manos libres is commonly used to refer to hands-free devices and it is common to use auriculares bluetooth to express wireless hands-free headphones. In some Latin American regions, manos libres bluetooth is used to refer to wireless hands-free devices.
How does it change in a sentence?
Even though manos is plural, the phrase is often used as a singular noun phrase to refer to a single hands-free device, frequently taking the masculine singular article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/manos libɾes/
Did you know?
- While manos libres refers to technology today, the word libres comes from the Latin 'liber', which originally referred to the free status of a person rather than the absence of a physical constraint.
- A Spanish speaker might call a single earbud a manos libres if it is part of a hands-free kit, whereas English usually requires 'earbud' or 'headset'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for a manos libres, a clerk might hand you an entire headset rather than just a single component.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría adquirir un aparato manos libres para mi teléfono.I would like to purchase a hands-free device for my phone.
- ¿Podrías prestarme tus auriculares manos libres para la llamada?Could you lend me your hands-free headphones for the call?
- Necesito comprar un manos libres para el coche.I need to buy a hands-free device for the car.
- El manos libres no funciona bien hoy.The hands-free device is not working well today.
- Usa el manos libres para hablar con seguridad.Use the hands-free device to talk safely.
Example conversation
Alejandro is driving and María is a passenger.
- María¿Puedes conectar el manos libres, Alejandro?Can you connect the hands-free device, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, lo estoy intentando ahora.Yes, I am trying to do it now.
- MaríaEs mejor para que no te distraigas.It is better so that you don't get distracted.
- AlejandroTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
