Spanish Phrase
Ten una botella de spray a mano.
Meaning
The sentence is a command telling someone to hold a spray bottle in their hand. It emphasizes that the bottle should be manually grasped, not placed on a surface or attached to a device.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving instructions in a workshop, cleaning demonstration, or any situation where you need someone to keep a spray bottle ready for immediate use.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenunabotelladesprayamano
Imperative of 'tener'
Use 'ten' (tú) to give a direct command meaning 'hold' or 'keep'.
Indefinite article 'una'
Matches the feminine noun 'botella' in gender and number.
Prepositional phrase 'de spray'
Uses 'de' to indicate the type or content of the bottle.
Expression 'a mano'
Literally 'by hand', meaning to hold something manually rather than using a holder or device.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo debo preparar el desinfectante?
How should I prepare the disinfectant?
Ten una botella de spray a mano y rocía la superficie.
Hold a spray bottle in your hand and spray the surface.
✕Common Mistakes
Tienes una botella de spray a mano.
Use the imperative 'ten' for a command, not the present tense 'tienes' which means 'you have'.
Ten un botella de spray a mano.
The noun 'botella' is feminine, so the article must be 'una'.
Ten una botella de spray de mano.
The correct expression is 'a mano' to indicate 'by hand'.
↔Alternatives
Sostén una botella de spray con la mano.
Hold a spray bottle with your hand.
Ten la botella de spray en la mano.
Keep the spray bottle in your hand.
Agarra una botella de spray a mano.
Grab a spray bottle by hand.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking workplaces, giving clear, concise commands is common. Using the imperative form 'ten' is direct but polite when paired with a friendly tone. Avoid overly formal language in casual settings; 'ten' works well among peers or when instructing staff.