French Phrase
C'est courant d'avoir une poignée de main ferme.
Meaning
The sentence states that it is common or usual to give a firm handshake. It emphasizes that a strong, confident grip is the norm in many professional or social contexts.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing business etiquette, cultural expectations for greetings, or when giving advice about how to make a good first impression in French‑speaking environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estcourantd'avoirunepoignéedemainferme
C'est
Contraction of 'cela est', used to introduce a statement or observation.
courant
Adjective meaning 'common' or 'usual'; placed after the verb 'être' (C'est).
d' + infinitive
The preposition 'de' contracts before a vowel; introduces an infinitive verb phrase.
avoir + noun
Verb 'avoir' followed by a noun expresses possession or experience.
une poignée de main
Set phrase meaning 'a handshake'; 'poignée' literally 'handle', but idiomatically 'handshake'.
ferme
Adjective meaning 'firm' or 'strong', agrees in gender and number with 'poignée' (feminine singular).
🗨In Conversation
Comment se passe l'entretien d'embauche?
How is the job interview going?
Très bien, j'ai suivi les conseils : c'est courant d'avoir une poignée de main ferme.
Very well, I followed the advice: it's common to give a firm handshake.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est courant d'avoir une poignée de main courante.
Do not confuse with 'courant' meaning 'current' (as in electricity). Here it means 'common'.
C'est courant d'avoir une poignée de main fermé.
The adjective must agree with 'poignée' (feminine singular). Using the masculine form 'ferme' is correct because 'ferme' is invariant, but avoid 'fermé' which means 'closed'.
C'est courant avoir une poignée de main ferme.
Do not drop the preposition 'de' before the infinitive; it is required after 'courant'.
↔Alternatives
Il est habituel d'avoir une poignée de main ferme.
It is usual to have a firm handshake.
On s'attend généralement à une poignée de main ferme.
One generally expects a firm handshake.
Une poignée de main ferme est la norme.
A firm handshake is the norm.
Cultural Tip
In France and many other Francophone countries, a handshake should be brief, firm, and accompanied by eye contact. A limp grip can be interpreted as a lack of confidence, while an overly strong grip may seem aggressive. In more informal settings, a light kiss on the cheek (la bise) may replace the handshake, especially among acquaintances.