gesto
/HES-toh/
gesture
Gesto refers to a physical movement or hand sign, such as this positive gesture.
gesto(noun)
gesture
?physical movement of the body or hands
,facial expression
?look on one's face
sign
?a non-verbal cue
,motion
?a physical movement
📝 In Action
Hizo un gesto de dolor al tocarse la rodilla.
A2He made a gesture of pain when he touched his knee.
Con un gesto, el camarero nos indicó que la mesa estaba lista.
A2With a gesture, the waiter indicated to us that the table was ready.
Su gesto de sorpresa era tan cómico que todos reímos.
B1His expression of surprise was so comical that we all laughed.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'gesto' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el gesto' (the gesture).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronouncing the 'G'
Mistake: "Pronouncing the 'g' like the English 'g' in 'go' ('ges-toh')."
Correction: The correct sound is the strong Spanish 'j' sound, like the English 'h' in 'hello' ('HES-toh').
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Feelings
You can combine 'gesto' with 'de' (of) to describe emotion: 'un gesto de alegría' (a gesture of joy), 'un gesto de tristeza' (a gesture of sadness).
Gesto can also mean an act of kindness or thoughtful action, like sharing shelter from the rain.
gesto(noun)
act of kindness
?thoughtful action
,nice detail
?small, thoughtful action or gift
token
?a small item or action representing affection
,good deed
?a beneficial action
📝 In Action
Tener un gesto tan generoso con los vecinos fue admirable.
B1Having such a generous act toward the neighbors was admirable.
El jefe tuvo el gesto de darnos el viernes libre.
B2The boss had the kindness to give us Friday off.
Le encantó el gesto de su abuela de enviarle flores.
B1He loved his grandmother's thoughtful gesture of sending him flowers.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tener'
When talking about performing a kind act, Spanish often uses the verb 'tener' (to have) instead of 'hacer' (to do): 'Tuvo un gesto amable' (He had a kind act).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing meanings
Mistake: "Using 'gesto' to mean a large, physical feat or heroic action."
Correction: This meaning of 'gesto' usually refers to small, personal, and thoughtful actions, not huge deeds. Use 'hazaña' or 'acción' for heroic acts.
⭐ Usage Tips
Showing Consideration
Use this meaning when you want to emphasize that someone was being thoughtful or considerate, often toward someone else's feelings or needs.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: gesto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'gesto' to mean an 'act of kindness' rather than a physical movement?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'gesto' and 'ademán'?
'Gesto' is usually a spontaneous, small expression of emotion (a smile, a frown). 'Ademán' is often a more deliberate, slightly larger movement used to communicate something, like beckoning someone over or warning them with a hand motion.
Can 'gesto' mean 'joke' or 'prank'?
No. While 'gesto' can mean a funny expression (un gesto cómico), the word for a 'joke' or 'prank' is usually 'broma' or 'chiste'.