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gesto

HES-tohˈxes.to

“gesto” means “gesture” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

gesture, facial expression

Also: sign, motion
NounmA2
A simple cartoon illustration of a single hand giving a thumbs up sign, representing a physical gesture.

📝 In Action

Hizo un gesto de dolor al tocarse la rodilla.

A2

He made a gesture of pain when he touched his knee.

Con un gesto, el camarero nos indicó que la mesa estaba lista.

A2

With a gesture, the waiter indicated to us that the table was ready.

Su gesto de sorpresa era tan cómico que todos reímos.

B1

His expression of surprise was so comical that we all laughed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ademán (gesture (often more formal))
  • mueca (a face/grimace)

Common Collocations

  • hacer un gesto – to make a gesture
  • un gesto de aprobación – a sign of approval

Idioms & Expressions

  • gesto de la muerte – a deathly pallor or expression

act of kindness, nice detail

Also: token, good deed
NounmB1
A simple illustration of two figures standing close together under a single umbrella while small raindrops fall, symbolizing an act of kindness.

📝 In Action

Tener un gesto tan generoso con los vecinos fue admirable.

B1

Having such a generous act toward the neighbors was admirable.

El jefe tuvo el gesto de darnos el viernes libre.

B2

The boss had the kindness to give us Friday off.

Le encantó el gesto de su abuela de enviarle flores.

B1

He loved his grandmother's thoughtful gesture of sending him flowers.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • detalle (detail/kindness)
  • cortesía (courtesy)

Antonyms

  • desaire (snub/slight)

Common Collocations

  • tener un gesto – to have a kind gesture/act
  • un gesto de buena voluntad – a gesture of goodwill

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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

👥 Word Family▼
gesticular(to gesture/to gesticulate) — Verb
gesticulación(gesticulation/waving hands) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *gestus*, meaning 'bearing,' 'attitude,' or 'posture.' It is related to the verb *gerere*, which meant 'to carry out' or 'to perform.' The meaning evolved from simply a physical bearing to a visible sign or action.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: gestoPortuguese: gesto

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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'.