manso
/ˈmanso/
The Spanish word for meek is manso.
The word manso is used to describe someone who is humble, modest or self-effacing. It often carries a connotation of being docile or submissive, sometimes implying that a person lacks spirit or is easily controlled.
Meaning: humble, modest, or self-effacing (adj)
Which one should you use?
While manso can describe a person's meek temperament, it is also the standard word used to describe a tame animal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word apocado is used to describe someone who is meek or shy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form mansa for feminine singular nouns, and the feminine plural form mansas for feminine plural nouns. For masculine plural nouns, use the form mansos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmanso/
Did you know?
- There is a linguistic theory that manso may have evolved as an alteration of inmenso, meaning 'immense'.
- In some contexts, manso can describe water that is calm and still, such as a 'tame' river or a gentle tide.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone manso to their face can be a stinging insult, implying they are a 'pushover' who lacks the courage to stand up for themselves.
Examples in context
- La actitud del presidente fue muy humilde durante el discurso.The president's attitude was very meek during the speech.
- El líder religioso mostró una actitud humilde frente a sus seguidores.The religious leader showed a meek attitude towards his followers.
- El perrito es muy manso y no te hará daño.The little dog is very meek and won't harm you.
- El niño mostró una actitud mansa frente a su maestra.The child displayed a meek attitude towards his teacher.
- No me gusta que seas tan sumiso ante las críticas.I don't like that you're so meek in the face of criticism.
- Ese chico es muy apocado y no se defiende.That boy is very meek and doesn't defend himself.
- Ella tiene un carácter manso.She has a meek character.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a new coworker.
- Daniel¿Qué piensas del nuevo empleado?What do you think of the new employee?
- ElenaMe parece un chico muy manso.He seems like a very meek guy to me.
- DanielSí, Daniel es demasiado modesto.Yes, Daniel is too modest.
- ElenaEso es bueno para el equipo.That is good for the team.
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.
