Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| apretón de manos | /apɾeˌton de ˈmanos/ | masculine |
| estrechamiento de manos | /estɾet͡ʃamjento de manos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| estrechadura de manos | /estɾet͡ʃaduɾa de manos/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The term refers to the physical act of two people grasping hands. While the noun describes the gesture, you can use related verb phrases like darse la mano, estrecharse la mano or apretarse la mano to express the action of shaking hands. In a different context, the phrase establecer comunicación can be used to mean 'to shake hands' in the sense of establishing communication.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase apretón de manos literally means 'squeeze of hands'.
Which one should you use?
Apretón de manos is the most common way to refer to a handshake. In contrast, estrechamiento de manos is significantly more formal and less frequent in everyday speech. There is also the feminine form estrechadura de manos.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of shaking hands, the reflexive verb phrase darse la mano is commonly used. Additionally, the verb phrase estrechar la mano is a common way to express the act of shaking someone's hand.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾeˌton de ˈmanos/
Did you know?
- In Spain and parts of Latin America, a handshake might be replaced by dos besos, which are two light kisses on the cheeks, even between people who have just met.
- The formal term estrechamiento shares a linguistic root with the word for a 'strait', such as the Strait of Gibraltar, as both describe the act of narrowing a space.
- In some Latin American contexts, avoiding a apretón de manos when offered can be interpreted as a sign of deep hostility or a deliberate social snub.
Examples in context
- Se despidieron con un fuerte apretón de manos.They parted with a firm handshake.This sentence shows how to use apretón de manos to describe a parting gesture.Tatoeba #1842274 by teskmon, translation #306477 by CK
- Su premio de consolación fue un simple apretón de manos.His consolation prize was a simple handshake.This sentence illustrates using apretón de manos to describe a consolation prize.Tatoeba #1563586 by Shishir, translation #10367281 by DJ_Saidez
- Saludé a los estudiantes con un apretón de manos.I greeted the students with a handshake.This sentence demonstrates using apretón de manos as a way to greet people.Tatoeba #3622968 by carlosalberto, translation #3622695 by karloelkebekio
- Un apretón de manos es una forma educada de saludarA handshake is a polite way to greet
- Nos dimos la mano como señal de acuerdoWe shook hands as a sign of agreement
- El director me recibió con un apretón de manos firmeThe director welcomed me with a firm handshake
- En nuestra cultura, es importante darse la mano al encontrarseIn our culture, it's important to shake hands when meeting
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel meet for a job interview.
- SofíaHola, Daniel. Mucho gusto.Hello, Daniel. Nice to meet you.
- DanielIgualmente, Sofía. Gracias por recibirme.Likewise, Sofía. Thank you for seeing me.
- SofíaSellamos el acuerdo con un apretón de manos.We seal the agreement with a handshake.
- DanielMe parece perfecto.That sounds perfect to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handshake” translations and entries apretón de manos, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
