main
/mɛ̃/feminine
The French word for hand is main. Wiktionary also lists menotte.
Meaning: part of the fore limb (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| main | /mɛ̃/ | feminine |
| menotte | /mə.nɔt/ | feminine |
main refers to the part of the fore limb.
Which one should you use?
main is the standard term for the hand, while menotte is a feminine noun used to refer to a hand.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both main and menotte are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The word menotte is not just a small hand, it is also the common French word for handcuffs.
- The French expression avoir le bras long describes someone with a 'long arm', meaning they have powerful social or political connections.
- In French, to 'give a hand' is expressed as donner un coup de main, which translates literally to 'giving a blow of the hand'.
Examples in context
- Ouvre la main !Open your hand.This sentence shows how to use main to tell someone to open their hand.Tatoeba #3454127 by sacredceltic, translation #3454012 by Hybrid
- Lâche ma main !Let go of my hand!This sentence demonstrates using main in the context of letting go.Tatoeba #9010218 by Aiji, translation #5316711 by AlanF_US
- Il leva la main.He raised his hand.This sentence illustrates the use of main when raising one's hand.Tatoeba #1308851 by sacredceltic, translation #370607 by saeb
- Tenez le vase à deux mains.Hold the vase with both hands.
- Serre-moi la paluche.Shake my hand.
- 600 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are walking together in a park.
- EmmaLucas, donne-moi ta main.Lucas, give me your hand.
- LucasPourquoi veux-tu me tenir la main ?Why do you want to hold my hand?
- EmmaParce que je me sens en sécurité ainsi.Because I feel safe this way.
- LucasC'est gentil, je te tiens la main.That's sweet, I'll hold your hand.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand” translations and entries main, menotte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
