tomarse de las manos
/tomaɾse de las manos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'hold hands' is translated into Spanish as tomarse de las manos.
This verb phrase is used to describe the action of two people clasping each other's hands.
Meaning: to clasp each other's hands (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tomar (to take or grab), the reflexive pronoun se which indicates the action is reciprocal (done to each other), the preposition de (of) and las manos (the hands).
How does it change in a sentence?
While it is common to use the plural las manos (the hands), you will also frequently see the singular form tomarse de la mano (to hold the hand) used to express the exact same concept.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomaɾse de las manos/
Did you know?
- Although it ends in 'o', the word mano is a feminine noun.
- In Spanish, the verb tomar is used for 'hold hands', but it is also the standard word for 'to drink' in many Latin American countries.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, holding hands is not exclusively a romantic gesture. It is very common to see children holding the hands of parents or even friends holding hands as a sign of platonic affection.
Examples in context
- Cuando paseamos, me encanta tomarte de la manoWhen we go for a walk, I love holding your hand.
- En el cine, siempre agarramos la mano el uno del otroAt the movies, we always hold each other's hands.
- A los niños les gusta tomarse de las manos.Children like to hold hands.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park.
- SofíaJavier, ¿quieres tomarse de las manos?Javier, do you want to hold hands?
- JavierClaro que sí, Sofía.Of course, Sofía.
- SofíaMe hace sentir muy feliz.It makes me feel very happy.
- JavierA mí también me gusta mucho.I like it a lot too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
