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abanico de mano
/a.βaˈni.ko ðe ˈma.no/
hand fan
En el verano, uso un abanico de mano para refrescarme.
In the summer, I use a hand fan to cool myself down.
formal
A small, handheld fan used to create a breeze and cool oneself, typically made of paper, fabric, or feathers mounted on a stick.
Llevaba un abanico de mano de seda durante la ceremonia.
She carried a silk hand fan during the ceremony.
En la playa, los abanicos de mano son muy útiles para combatir el calor.
At the beach, hand fans are very useful for combating the heat.
Commonly used in warm climates or during summer events. Often decorative or part of traditional attire.
Collocations
abanico de mano plegablefoldable hand fanabanico de mano de papelpaper hand fanabanico de mano de sedasilk hand fan
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
Hand fans are not only practical but also cultural symbols in Spanish-speaking countries. They are often used in flamenco performances and traditional dances.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Do not confuse 'abanico de mano' with metaphorical uses of 'abanico' (e.g., 'abanico de posibilidades' = range of possibilities).
Word Origin
From Spanish 'abanico' (fan) + 'de mano' (of hand). 'Abanico' derives from the Arabic 'fanākh' (palm leaf), via Mozarabic or Andalusian Arabic.
Usage Notes
In Spain and Latin America, 'abanico de mano' is the standard term for a handheld fan. In some regions, simply 'abanico' suffices. Avoid confusion with 'abanico' as a verb (to fan) or metaphorical uses.
Word Breakdown
abanico
fan
rootde mano
of hand
prepositional phraseDiccionario Español-Inglés