Pronunciation: [mˈansə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "manso" can be spelled with either an "s" or a "z" depending on the dialect or language. In Castilian Spanish, it is spelled with an "s," while in Latin American Spanish or Portuguese, it is spelled with a "z." The IPA phonetic transcription for "manso" is /ˈman.so/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" sounds like the "a" in "father," and the "o" sounds like the "o" in "go."
Manso is a Spanish adjective that has multiple meanings and applications. In its most literal sense, manso can be translated to English as "tame" or "docile." This refers to the quality or behavior of an animal that has been domesticated or is not aggressive. For instance, a manso dog is generally calm and obedient.
However, manso can also be used figuratively to describe a person's character or temperament. In this sense, it conveys the idea of being mild-mannered, gentle, or serene. A manso individual is seen as someone who is peaceful, patient, and easygoing, often avoiding conflict or hostility.
Furthermore, the term manso can have a specific connotation in Spanish history and culture. It refers to lands or estates that were formerly used for grazing livestock and, over time, became property of the Crown. These areas, called "realengos," were usually rich in resources and provided the monarchy with significant economic benefits.
Additionally, in the context of bullfighting, manso denotes a bull that is considered less aggressive or brave compared to others. A manso bull is less likely to actively confront the matador and is generally less dangerous during the fight.
In summary, manso encompasses the notions of being tame, docile, peaceful, and gentle. Its multifaceted usage extends to descriptions of animal behavior, human temperament, historical land properties, and bullfighting terminology.
The word "manso" has a complex etymology, derived from several sources. It ultimately comes from the Latin "mānsus", which means "dwelling, house".
However, the evolution of the word can be traced through different languages. In Old High German, the word transformed into "mentisso", meaning "peaceful, calm". This term was later borrowed by Old French, where it became "mansu", still maintaining the meaning of "peaceful, gentle".
From Old French, "mansu" entered the Spanish language as "manso", around the 12th century. In Spanish, "manso" initially maintained the meaning of being calm or gentle, but with time, its meaning evolved to include notions of being docile or tame, specifically in reference to animals. This shift in meaning is likely due to the association of such characteristics with peacefulness and gentleness.
