French Phrase
Oui, lève la main.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘Yes, raise your hand.’ It combines a simple affirmation with a direct command. The tone is friendly but authoritative, typical of a teacher or a group leader giving a quick instruction.
When to use
Use this phrase in a classroom, workshop, or any group setting where you need someone to signal that they want to speak or ask a question. It works best when the speaker has already asked a question and the listener is confirming they will comply.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oui,lèvelamain.
Oui (affirmation)
‘Oui’ means ‘yes’ and is used to confirm or agree with a request.
lève (imperative)
‘lève’ is the second‑person singular informal imperative of the verb *lever* (to raise). The -e ending signals the command form.
la main (direct object)
‘la main’ is the feminine noun for ‘hand’; in this construction it is the object that is being raised.
🗨In Conversation
Oui, lève la main.
Yes, raise your hand.
D'accord, je le fais tout de suite.
Okay, I’ll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Oui, levé la main.
‘levé’ is the past participle; the imperative form needed is ‘lève’.
Oui, lève les mains.
‘main’ is singular; the plural ‘mains’ would change the meaning.
Oui, lever la main.
You cannot use the infinitive *lever* after ‘Oui’; you need the command form *lève*.
↔Alternatives
Oui, lève la main, s'il te plaît.
Yes, raise your hand, please.
Oui, mets la main en l'air.
Yes, put your hand in the air.
Oui, lève la main, c’est important.
Yes, raise your hand, it’s important.
Cultural Tip
In French schools, raising the hand is the standard way to ask a question or request permission to speak. Unlike some Anglo‑American classrooms where students may call out, French teachers usually expect the *levée de main* before anyone speaks. Using a polite ‘s’il te plaît’ softens the command and shows respect, especially with adult learners.