Word part · Latin root
Manu root words: meaning and 14 examples
In short
The Latin root manu (from Latin) means "hand". It is also spelled mani. Words with it include manual, manually, manuals, manuscript, manuscripts and manicure. A manual is done by hand and a manuscript was written by hand.
- Part
- manu
- Meaning
- hand
- Origin
- Latin
- Also spelled
- mani
- Words listed
- 14
A manual is done by hand and a manuscript was written by hand. The plain word man is not this root.
Words with the Latin root manu
The list runs from shorter, common words to longer ones. The bands are a rough guide built from syllable count and how common each word is in our word list, not a grade-level standard. Read each word, then its word sum.
Colors:prefixroot or basesuffix
Next: longer words (about grades 5 and 6)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| manual | manu (root or base)+al (suffix)→manual | done by hand; also, a book of hands-on steps |
| manuals | manu (root or base)+al (suffix)+s (suffix)→manuals | more than one manual |
| manuscript | manu (root or base)+script (root or base)→manuscript | a book or paper written by hand, before printing |
| manuscripts | manu (root or base)+script (root or base)+s (suffix)→manuscripts | more than one manuscript |
| manicure | mani (root or base)+cure (root or base)→manicure | care for the hands and nails |
More words: maneuver
Stretch: long or less common words (about grades 7 and 8)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| manually | manu (root or base)+al (suffix)+ly (suffix)→manually | by hand, not by machine |
| manicures | mani (root or base)+cure (root or base)+s (suffix)→manicures | more than one manicure |
| manicurist | mani (root or base)+cure (root or base)+ist (suffix)→manicuristdrop the e | a person whose job is caring for hands and nails |
More words: manufacture, manufacturer, manufacturing, manipulate, manipulation
How do you teach the root manu?
Have the student hold up a hand, then tell them manu means hand. Manual is the anchor: a manual car is shifted by hand, and a manual is a book of hands-on steps. Manuscript is a great second word because both parts are teachable: manu (hand) and script (write), so a book written by hand. Manicure follows. Keep this root for grade 5 and up; the words are longer.
A quick routine
Say, "Manu means hand. In every word I show you, a hand is doing the work." Show manual, manually, manuscript, manicure and manufacture. The student reads each, finds manu or mani, and says what the hand does: works, writes, cares for nails, makes goods. Point out that manufacture now means made by machines, and ask the student why the name stuck. Then spell manuscript part by part.
What do students mix up with manu?
Man, many, mane and manner do not belong here, and neither does woman. Most students try at least one of them. Manage does come from this root through Italian, first meaning handling a horse, but the link is hidden, so leave it off early lists. The rule for the student: if hand does not fit, it is a look-alike.
Some of these words change spelling where the parts join. The spelling rules pages cover dropping e, doubling and changing y to i. For the sounds inside these words, see the phonics word lists. Routines that fit: meanings of prefixes and suffixes, circle the parts, read the base and flexible routine for big words.
Questions people ask
What does the root manu mean?
Manu means "hand". It is a Latin root, also spelled mani. A manual is done by hand and a manuscript was written by hand. The plain word man is not this root.
What are some words with the root manu?
Start with manual, manuals, manuscript and manuscripts. Then move to manually and manicures. This page lists 14 words in all, most with a word sum that shows the parts.
Does the word man come from manu?
No. Man is an old English word, and manu is Latin for hand. They share letters by chance. When a student finds man in a word, ask whether the meaning has a hand in it before calling it this root.
Related word parts
- scribwrite
- facmake, or do
- -alhaving to do with
- -ista person who does, plays or studies
- -lyin a certain way
Terms on this page: morpheme, root, prefix, suffix, base word, word sum, morphology.
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