manga

MAHN-gahˈmaŋɡa

“manga” means “sleeve” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:

sleeve🔊A1Noun

part of a garment

Learn more →

manga🔊A2Noun

Japanese comics or graphic novels

Learn more →

hose🔊B1Noun

a flexible tube for carrying water

Learn more →

round🔊B2Noun

a stage in a competition

Learn more →

sleeve

Also: pastry bag

NounfA1

A close-up of a long sleeve on a colorful knitted sweater.

📝 In Action

Prefiero las camisas de manga corta en verano.

I prefer short-sleeved shirts in the summer.

Tienes una mancha en la manga de la chaqueta.

You have a stain on your jacket sleeve.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

manga larga – long sleeve
manga corta – short sleeve
manga pastelera – pastry bag / icing bag

Idioms & Expressions

tener un as bajo la manga – to have a secret plan or advantage
manga ancha – to be very lenient or permissive
en mangas de camisa – to be in one's shirt sleeves (informal/casual)

manga

Also: anime style

NounmA2

A stack of colorful graphic novels with stylized characters on the covers.

📝 In Action

Este manga es el más vendido de este año.

This manga is the best-seller this year.

Me gusta leer manga antes de dormir.

I like reading manga before going to sleep.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cómic (comic)
historieta (cartoon/comic strip)

Common Collocations

leer manga – to read manga
dibujo manga – manga drawing

hose

Also: waterspout

NounfB1

A coiled orange garden hose lying on green grass with water droplets.

📝 In Action

Los bomberos conectaron la manga al hidrante.

The firefighters connected the hose to the hydrant.

Riega el jardín con la manga.

Water the garden with the hose.

Word Connections

Synonyms

manguera (hose)

Common Collocations

manga de riego – garden hose
manga de agua – waterspout (tornado over water)

round

Also: set, heat

NounfB2

A gold trophy sitting on a pedestal to represent a stage of a competition.

📝 In Action

El tenista ganó la primera manga del partido.

The tennis player won the first set of the match.

Mañana se corre la segunda manga de la carrera.

The second heat of the race will be run tomorrow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

set (set)
ronda (round)

Common Collocations

primera manga – first round/set
manga clasificatoria – qualifying heat

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "manga" in Spanish:

anime style→heat→hose→manga→pastry bag→round→set→sleeve→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: manga

Question 1 of 2

If you are reading a Japanese comic book, which article should you use?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

manguera(hose) — Noun

manguito(small sleeve / armband) — Noun

mangazo(a strong spray of water) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

gangapanga

📚 Etymology▼

The clothing and hose meanings come from the Latin word 'manica' (sleeve), which is related to 'manus' (hand). The comic meaning is a direct loan from the Japanese word 'manga', which combines 'man' (whimsical) and 'ga' (pictures).

First recorded: 13th century (clothing); 20th century (Japanese comic)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: manicaFrench: manche

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'manga' always mean a comic?

No! In fact, its most common everyday meaning is the 'sleeve' of a shirt. It only means a comic when it is masculine ('el manga').

What is a 'manga pastelera'?

It is a pastry bag or icing bag used in baking to decorate cakes or squeeze out dough.