poignée de main
feminine
The English phrase 'handshake' is poignée de main in French. Wiktionary also lists shake-hand.
Meaning: grasping of hands by two people (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| poignée de main | feminine | |
| shake-hand | /ʃek ɛ̃d/ | masculine, uncommon |
Poignée de main is a feminine noun referring to the grasping of hands by two people. While poignée de main is the noun for the handshake itself, the common verbal phrase used to describe the action of shaking hands is serrer la main.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of poignée de main is poignées de main, where only the word for 'handful' is pluralized.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate the verb 'to shake' literally, but the standard way to say 'to shake hands' is serrer la main.
When do people say it?
In France, it is customary to exchange handshakes when meeting someone for the first time.
Did you know?
- If you were to say you want to 'shake' a hand literally in French using a verb like secouer, it would sound like you are physically jarring or shaking the person's limb violently.
- The word poignée is derived from poing, meaning 'fist'. This describes the physical action of closing the hand around another person's hand.
- The French language has a specific term, la poignée de main, that can be used metaphorically to describe an informal agreement or a 'gentleman's agreement'.
Examples in context
- Il a une poignée de main ferme.He has a good firm handshake.This sentence is useful for describing a firm poignée de main.Tatoeba #130919 by nimfeo, translation #290080 by CK
- Personne n'apprécie une poignée de main moite.Nobody enjoys a clammy handshake.This sentence is useful for describing a clammy poignée de main.Tatoeba #10290985 by lbdx, translation #9013279 by Vanilla
- On me dit que les francs-maçons ont une poignée de main secrète.I hear the Freemasons have a secret handshake.This sentence is useful for mentioning a secret poignée de main.Tatoeba #801056 by sacredceltic, translation #727135 by darinmex
- Les partenaires commerciaux se sont salués par un serrement de main ferme.The business partners greeted each other with a firm handshake.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo meet for the first time at a business meeting.
- LéaEnchantée ! Une poignée de main pour commencer ?Nice to meet you! A handshake to start?
- HugoBien sûr, Léa. Enchanté également.Of course, Léa. Nice to meet you too.
- LéaC'est une coutume importante ici.It is an important custom here.
- HugoJe suis d'accord, c'est très professionnel.I agree, it's very professional.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handshake” translations and entries poignée de main, shake-hand, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, main, poignée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
