práctico
/ˈpɾaɡtiko/
The English word "handy" is translated into Spanish as práctico.
The term práctico is used to describe something that is easy to use or useful in a practical sense. Note that while it covers the English meaning of "handy" regarding utility, it does not mean "handy" in the sense of being physically close or nearby.
Meaning: easy to use (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal adjective Apañado is used to describe a person who is handy, meaning they are capable and adept at handling practical tasks. In Central American countries such as Costa Rica and El Salvador, the term Aplicado is primarily used to describe someone who is handy, specifically meaning they are diligent and skilled at practical tasks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the noun it describes. Use the feminine form práctica if the object is a feminine noun. For multiple objects, use the masculine plural form prácticos if the objects are masculine or the feminine plural form prácticas if the objects are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾaɡtiko/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the term apañado doesn't just mean a person is handy with tools, but can also describe someone who is socially resourceful and clever at manipulating situations to their advantage.
- While práctico means 'handy' for objects, in an academic setting it functions as a noun meaning a 'practical' or a 'lab' exam.
- While práctico describes a useful object, calling a person práctico in some contexts can imply they are 'practical' to a fault, suggesting they lack imagination or sentiment.
Examples in context
- Es muy práctico.That's very handy.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of práctico to describe utility.Tatoeba #1286023 by Shishir, translation #1283271 by Scott
- Es una persona muy hábil con las herramientasHe/she is very handy with tools
- Necesitamos un empleado competente en trabajos manualesWe need a handy employee for manual tasks
- Mi hermana es muy apañada, siempre resuelve los problemas domésticosMy sister is very handy, she always solves household problems
- Mi tío es un MacGyver, siempre encuentra una solución a cualquier problemaMy uncle is a MacGyver, he always finds a solution to any problem
- Este gadget es muy práctico.This gadget is very handy.
- Tener un mapa es práctico.Having a map is handy.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are looking at a new kitchen tool.
- Alejandro¿Es práctico este cortador?Is this cutter handy?
- SofíaSí, es muy práctico para cocinar.Yes, it is very handy for cooking.
- AlejandroMe parece un diseño práctico.I think it's a handy design.
- SofíaEs ideal para tu cocina.It is ideal for your kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handy” translations and entries práctico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
