Spanish Conversation · Level 50
75 words
Spanish word
gesto
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈxesto/
Meaning
- masculine noungesture
Example
Hizo un gesto con la mano.
He made a gesture with his hand.
More examples
Su gesto de desaprobación fue evidente.
His gesture of disapproval was evident.
Core concept
A deliberate hand or facial movement that communicates an idea or feeling.
Common phrases
hacer un gesto
make a gesture
un gesto de agradecimiento
a gesture of gratitude
un gesto de desaprobación
a gesture of disapproval
Similar words
ademán: Single brief movement of a limb or head that signals emotion or intent.
gesticulación: Repeated hand or arm movements that accompany speech to express or emphasize meaning.
mímica: Silent acting with face and body that depicts actions or scenes without words.
Definition in Spanish
Movimiento intencional de las manos, la cara u otra parte del cuerpo que comunica una idea, una emoción o una intención sin usar palabras.
Word origin
The Spanish word comes from Latin gestus, from the verb gerere 'to carry, to do', where the sense of carrying out an action broadens into a term for bodily expressions.
Usage tips
- The verb gesticular sounds formal or theatrical, and native speakers often use hacer un gesto or the noun gesto in casual speech.
Other meanings
- facial expressionnoun
Opposites
- palabrawordnoun
Related words
- gesticulargesticulateverb
- gesticulacióngesticulationnoun
- gestualgesturaladjective