manso
/ˈmɐ̃.su/
The English word "meek" is translated into Portuguese as manso.
manso is used to describe a person who is humble, modest or self-effacing. It can also be used to describe an animal that is tame.
Meaning: humble, modest, or self-effacing (adj)
Which one should you use?
When describing a person's temperament, manso means "meek", but when describing an animal, it is the standard word for "tame".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective manso must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It changes to mansa for feminine singular nouns, mansos for masculine plural nouns and mansas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈmɐ̃.su/.
Did you know?
- Though manso describes a tame animal, a 'wild' animal is called bravo, which is the same word used for 'brave' or 'angry'.
- The word manso comes from the Latin mānsuetus, which is a combination of the words for 'hand' and 'custom'.
- If you call a sea mansa, you are describing it as calm and flat, which is the maritime equivalent of a 'meek' person.
Examples in context
- Mas ao passo que para com os gatos do mesmo sexo ele é feroz e combativo, ele é tão manso e deferente para com a mãe quanto era na sua tenra infância.But while toward cats of his own sex he is fierce and combative, he is just as meek and deferential to his mother as he was in his tender kittenhood.This sentence shows how manso can describe a person being meek and deferential toward a parent.Tatoeba #12125858 by Cangarejo, translation #12125857 by Cangarejo
- O Thomas Lynde um homenzito manso a quem a gente de Avonlea chamava "o marido da Rachel Lynde" estava a plantar as suas sementes de nabo tardias no terreno da colina para lá do celeiro.Thomas Lynde – a meek little man whom Avonlea people called "Rachel Lynde's husband" – was sowing his late turnip seed on the hill field beyond the barn.This sentence uses manso to describe a person's gentle character.Tatoeba #10700018 by Cangarejo, translation #5824693 by Hybrid
- Alberto é uma pessoa extremamente mansa, sempre resolvendo conflitos pacificamente.Alberto is an extremely meek person, always resolving conflicts peacefully.
- A esposa sempre foi submissa ao marido, concordando com todas as suas decisões.The wife has always been meek towards her husband, agreeing with all his decisions.
- O avô é um homem pacato, nunca se envolve em discussões ou brigas.The grandfather is a meek man. He never gets involved in arguments or fights.
- Ele é um homem muito manso e gentil.He is a very meek and kind man.
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are discussing a new coworker.
- LucasVocê já conheceu o novo colega de trabalho?Have you met the new coworker yet?
- BeatrizSim, ele parece ser bem manso.Yes, he seems to be quite meek.
- LucasEle quase não fala durante as reuniões.He hardly speaks during the meetings.
- BeatrizÉ verdade, ele é muito discreto.That's true, he is very discreet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry manso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
