Hands
The singular form, meaning 'hand'. Use this when talking about just one hand.
The palm of the hand. Used when you need to be more specific.
The fingers. A related and essential body part to know.
Wash your hands before eating.
I have very cold hands.
Please, raise your right hand.
The baby has small hands.
The word 'mano' (and its plural 'manos') is universal across the entire Spanish-speaking world, including Latin America and Spain. It is the standard and most common term.
In casual slang, 'mano' is a very common shortening of 'hermano' (brother) used to mean 'bro' or 'dude' between friends. For example, '¿Qué pasa, mano?' (What's up, bro?). This is separate from its meaning as 'hand'.
The word 'mano' is used identically to how it's used in Latin America for 'hand'.
Standard usage of 'mano' for 'hand'. The slang usage of 'mano' for 'bro' is less common here than in Mexico.
Using the wrong gender. Even though 'mano' ends in '-o', it is a feminine noun. — Incorrect: 'el mano'. Correct: 'la mano'.
Omitting the article when talking about body parts. In Spanish, you usually use a definite article (el, la, los, las) with body parts. — Incorrect: 'Lávate manos'. Correct: 'Lávate las manos'.
Using a possessive adjective like 'my' or 'your' when it's obvious whose hands they are. The reflexive pronoun (me, te, se) already implies ownership. — Incorrect: 'Lavo mis manos'. Correct: 'Me lavo las manos' (I wash my hands).
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