manual
/mah-NWAHL/
manual
Illustrating the adjective form of "manual," meaning "done by hand" or "relating to the hands."
manual(adjective)
manual
?done by hand; relating to the hands
,physical
?describing labor or effort
hand-operated
?machinery/device
📝 In Action
El trabajo manual es muy agotador.
A1Manual labor is very exhausting.
Prefiero la transmisión manual en los coches antiguos.
A2I prefer manual transmission in old cars.
Hicimos una limpieza manual de todas las piezas pequeñas.
B1We did a manual cleaning of all the small parts.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Form
As an adjective, 'manual' is one of the words ending in -l that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el trabajo manual' and 'la caja manual').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Operations
When talking about technology or machinery, 'manual' often means you have to operate it yourself, without automation.
Illustrating the noun form of "manual," meaning "instruction book."
📝 In Action
Necesito leer el manual para saber cómo instalar el televisor.
A2I need to read the manual to know how to install the television.
El manual de procedimientos está en la oficina del jefe.
B1The procedure handbook is in the boss's office.
Este es el manual de historia que usaremos en clase.
B2This is the history textbook we will use in class.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
The noun 'manual' is always masculine, even though it refers to a book you hold in your hand (which is 'la mano', feminine). Always use 'el manual' or 'un manual'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: "La manual de instrucciones."
Correction: El manual de instrucciones. Remember, the noun 'manual' is masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
For a very short guide or quick reference, you might use 'guía' or 'folleto'. 'Manual' implies a more substantial, official book of rules or instructions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: manual
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'manual' as a noun (a book)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'manual' sometimes masculine ('el manual') and sometimes doesn't change gender (like in 'la caja manual')?
When 'manual' is a noun (meaning the book), it is always masculine ('el manual'). When 'manual' is an adjective (describing something), it is invariable—it doesn't change its ending to match masculine or feminine nouns. So, you say 'el trabajo manual' and 'la caja manual'.