manojo
Lemma: manojo
Translation: bunch; bundle; handful; cluster (noun)
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'manipulus' meaning 'handful', which comes from 'manus' (hand) and 'plere' (to fill). The English word 'manipulate' shares the same Latin root 'manus', relating to the hand. The evolution from 'manipulus' to 'manojo' shows the typical Spanish phonological development where Latin '-p-' often disappeared between vowels and the ending was simplified.
Example Usage
Compré un manojo de perejil para la sopa.
I bought a bunch of parsley for the soup.
Tiene un manojo de llaves en su bolsillo.
He has a bunch of keys in his pocket.
Recogió un manojo de flores silvestres.
She gathered a handful of wildflowers.
Antes del examen estaba hecho un manojo de nervios.
Before the exam, he was a bundle of nerves.
Mnemonics
- 'Manojo' sounds like 'man-oh-ho' - imagine a man saying 'oh ho!' when holding a handful of something.
- Think of 'mano' (hand) + 'jo' - what fits in your hand is a 'manojo'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish cooking, 'manojo' is often used to refer to a bunch of herbs used in recipes. The expression 'manojo de nervios' is a common idiom to describe someone who is extremely anxious or nervous.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Manojo' means 'bunch' or 'handful', while 'manejo' means 'handling' or 'management'. They look and sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
El manejo de esta situación requiere paciencia.
The handling of this situation requires patience.
Notes: Both words derive from 'mano' (hand), but 'manojo' refers to what can be held in a hand, while 'manejo' refers to the action of handling something.
Mnemonic: 'Manojo' ends with 'jo' like 'join' - things joined together in a bunch. 'Manejo' ends like 'management'.
Explanation: 'Manojo' is a bunch or handful, while 'manija' means 'handle' (of a door, tool, etc.). Both relate to hands but in different ways.
Confused word:
La manija de la puerta está rota.
The door handle is broken.
Notes: Both words relate to the hand ('mano'), but 'manija' is something you grasp with your hand, while 'manojo' is what you hold in your hand.
Mnemonic: 'Manija' has 'man-i' like 'manipulate' - you manipulate a handle. 'Manojo' has 'man-o' like 'many' - many things in a bunch.