manipular
verbCEFR B2
What does “manipular” mean in English?
to manipulate, to control
to manipulate, to control (manipular a alguien/los resultados — control or influence someone or something unfairly or dishonestly)
Example sentences
El informe acusaba al régimen de manipular los resultados electorales para mantenerse en el poder.
The report accused the regime of manipulating electoral results to remain in power.
Las técnicas de manipulación psicológica utilizadas por algunos líderes de sectas son bien conocidas por los expertos.
The psychological manipulation techniques used by some cult leaders are well known to experts.
Los técnicos que manipulan materiales radiactivos deben seguir estrictos protocolos de seguridad en todo momento.
Technicians who handle radioactive materials must follow strict safety protocols at all times.
How to use it
Manipular means 'to manipulate', 'to handle', or 'to fiddle with'. At B2, two senses: (1) manipulate a person or data dishonestly: manipular a alguien, manipular los resultados; (2) handle/operate: manipular alimentos (handle food), manipular materiales peligrosos (handle hazardous materials). The figurative sense is more common at B2. Don't confuse with manejar (handle/operate — neutral) or engañar (deceive — single act of deception vs. sustained control).
Common mistake
Manipular (manipulate — implies dishonesty in figurative use, or physical handling in literal use). The ethical connotation in the figurative sense is always negative. Don't use manipular where manejar would be more natural for neutral handling: 'maneja bien las herramientas' not *'manipula bien las herramientas'.