manso
/ˈmanso/
The English word 'tame' is translated into Spanish as manso.
manso is an adjective used to describe an animal that is not wild. Beyond the literal sense of being not wild, it also carries the connotation of being gentle or mild in temperament.
Meaning: not wild (adj)
Which one should you use?
While manso describes the temperament of being tame or gentle, you should use the word domado if you specifically want to describe an animal that has undergone the process of being tamed.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective manso must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use mansa for feminine singular nouns, mansos for masculine plural nouns and mansas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmanso/
Did you know?
- While manso usually means 'tame', in certain historical or poetic contexts it can be an alteration of the word inmenso, meaning 'immense'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you call a person manso, you are not just saying they are gentle, but might be implying they are easily manipulated or lack a strong will.
- The word manso is frequently used to describe a slow-moving river or a calm current. In this context, it describes the movement of water rather than a biological temperament.
Examples in context
- Los pájaros son tan mansos que comerán de tu mano.The birds are so tame they will eat from your hand.This sentence shows how to use manso to describe birds that are comfortable around humans.Tatoeba #1678247 by Shishir, translation #45017 by CK
- Este camello es tan manso que cualquiera puede montarlo.This camel is so tame that anyone can ride it.This sentence uses manso to describe a camel that is easy to ride.Tatoeba #1210166 by marcelostockle, translation #60368 by CM
- Los caballos son unos animales muy mansos que se están usando para terapias con ciertas personas discapacitadas.Horses are very tame animals that are used in therapies for certain handicapped persons.This sentence illustrates how manso describes horses used in therapeutic settings.Tatoeba #10143469 by saverius, translation #10255428 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Es necesario domesticar a los animales salvajes para garantizar la seguridad en los parques naturales.It is necessary to tame wild animals to ensure safety in natural parks.
- El entrenador ha logrado amansar al tigre después de meses de trabajo constante.The trainer has managed to tame the tiger after months of consistent work.
- Mi hermano está aprendiendo a domar caballos para las competiciones ecuestres.My brother is learning how to tame horses for equestrian competitions.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are observing a small animal in a garden.
- Daniel¿Ese conejo es manso?Is that rabbit tame?
- SofíaSí, es muy manso.Yes, he is very tame.
- DanielPuedo acercarme a él.I can approach him.
- SofíaTen cuidado, Daniel.Be careful, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tame” translations and entries 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.
