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puñado

poo-NYAH-do/puˈɲaðo/

“puñado” means “handful” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

handful

Also: fistful
NounmA2
A close-up view of a person's slightly cupped hand holding a small pile of dry, colorful beans, illustrating a literal measure.

📝 In Action

Echa solo un puñado de sal a la sopa para que no esté salada.

A2

Only add a handful of salt to the soup so it isn't too salty.

Necesitas un puñado de semillas para plantar en el jardín.

B1

You need a handful of seeds to plant in the garden.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • manojo (bunch, bundle)
  • porción (portion)

Common Collocations

  • un puñado de tierra – a handful of dirt
  • un puñado de monedas – a handful of coins

small number, few

Also: small group
NounmB1
A large empty surface featuring only four brightly colored red apples clustered closely together, symbolizing a small quantity.

📝 In Action

Solo un puñado de estudiantes entendió el concepto avanzado.

B1

Only a small number of students understood the advanced concept.

Con un puñado de dólares, logró iniciar su negocio.

B2

With a handful (a small amount) of dollars, he managed to start his business.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pocos (few)
  • minoría (minority)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un puñado de valientes – a small number of brave people
  • un puñado de días – a few days

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "puñado" in Spanish:

fistful→small group→small number→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: puñado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'puñado' in its figurative sense?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
puño(fist) — Noun
empuñar(to grasp, to clench) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
bañadodañado
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Spanish word 'puño,' which means 'fist.' Therefore, 'puñado' literally means 'the amount that fits in a fist.'

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: punhadoCatalan: punyada

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'puñado' a precise measurement?

No, 'puñado' is an informal, approximate measurement. It means 'a handful,' which varies depending on the size of the person's hand. In recipes, it suggests a small, quick amount.

What is the difference between 'puñado' and 'puño'?

'Puño' (fist) is the body part—the closed hand itself. 'Puñado' is the quantity or amount of something that fits inside that closed hand.