Italian Phrase
Sì, alza la mano.
Meaning
Literally ‘Yes, raise the hand.’ It is a short, direct way for a teacher or a speaker to give permission for someone to raise their hand, usually to ask a question or answer.
When to use
Use this phrase in a classroom, meeting, or any group setting where participants raise their hand to speak. It’s informal and assumes the listener knows the context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìalzalamano
Sì (affirmation)
Used to answer positively; note the acute accent on the i to distinguish it from 'si' (reflexive pronoun).
alza (imperative)
Second‑person singular imperative of the verb *alzare* ‘to raise’. The -a ending marks the informal command.
la (definite article)
Feminine singular article that agrees with *mano*.
mano (noun)
A feminine noun meaning ‘hand’; in classroom contexts it refers to the hand you raise to ask a question or answer.
🗨In Conversation
Posso fare una domanda?
May I ask a question?
Sì, alza la mano.
Yes, raise your hand.
✕Common Mistakes
Sì, leva la mano.
‘Levare’ means ‘to take away’; the correct verb for raising a hand is *alzare*.
Sì, alzo la mano.
‘Alzo’ is first‑person singular present; the command must be second‑person singular *alza*.
Sì, alzate la mano.
‘Alzate’ is second‑person plural; use *alza* when speaking to one person.
↔Alternatives
Sì, alzi la mano, per favore.
Yes, raise your hand, please.
Certo, alza la mano.
Sure, raise your hand.
Cultural Tip
In Italian schools, raising the hand (*alzare la mano*) is the standard way to signal that you want to speak. Teachers often use the short command *Alza la mano* without a subject, which is perfectly polite in this context. Avoid using *levare* (to take away) as it sounds odd here.