French Phrase
Lève la main pour parler.
Meaning
Literally ‘Raise the hand to speak.’ It is a polite command used to tell someone that they should lift their hand if they want to say something, especially in a group setting.
When to use
Use this sentence in classrooms, meetings, workshops, or any situation where participants are asked to signal that they want to contribute verbally.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lèvelamainpourparler
Lève (imperative)
Lève is the second‑person singular imperative of lever (to raise). The -s is dropped in the affirmative imperative for -er verbs.
la (definite article)
La is the feminine singular definite article that agrees with the noun main (hand).
main (noun)
Main is a feminine noun meaning ‘hand’; it takes the article la and the plural les mains.
pour + infinitive
The preposition pour followed by an infinitive expresses purpose: ‘in order to …’
parler (infinitive)
Parler is the infinitive form of the verb ‘to speak/talk’.
🗨In Conversation
Lève la main pour parler.
Raise your hand to speak.
D'accord, je le ferai.
Okay, I’ll do that.
✕Common Mistakes
Levé la main pour parler.
‘Levé’ is the past participle; the correct imperative form is ‘lève’.
Lève les mains pour parler.
‘Mains’ is plural; the singular ‘hand’ is ‘la main’.
Lève la main pour parler à.
The preposition ‘à’ is unnecessary here; ‘pour parler’ already expresses purpose.
↔Alternatives
Lève la main si tu veux parler.
Raise your hand if you want to speak.
Levez la main pour prendre la parole.
Raise your hand to take the floor.
Mets la main en l'air pour parler.
Put your hand up to speak.
Cultural Tip
In French schools the teacher usually says « Lève la main » (singular informal) or « Levez la main » (plural or formal) to keep order. The gesture is expected before anyone interrupts, so using this phrase shows you respect the classroom etiquette.