What does it mean word for word?
The phrase levanta las manos literally translates to "raise the hands" rather than "raise your hands".
Which one should you use?
While levanta las manos and alza las manos are both informal ways to give this command, Levante las manos is the formal version. You may also use the alternative command pon las manos en alto, which means to put your hands up or high.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, the phrase Manos arriba is used to mean "Put your hands up".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on who you are addressing and where you are. Use levante las manos when addressing one person formally. To address a group of people informally in Spain, use the plural imperative levantad las manos. In Latin American Spanish, or when addressing a group formally in Spain, use levanten las manos.
When do people say it?
A shorter and much more forceful way to command someone is to shout ¡Manos arriba!, which translates to "Hands up!" and is often used by police.
Did you know?
- The word las in las manos is a feminine plural article, reflecting that the word mano is one of the few nouns in Spanish that is feminine despite ending in 'o'.
- While levanta las manos is a command, the related word levante also refers to the east wind in Spain, named for the direction it 'lifts' from.
- The word manos comes from the Latin 'manus', which is the direct ancestor of English words like 'manual' and 'manufacture'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, levante las manos y manténgalas en altoPlease put your hands up and keep them raised
- Ante una amenaza, levante las manos como señal de rendiciónIn the face of a threat, put your hands up as a sign of surrender
- ¡Levanta las manos y baila!Put your hands up and dance!
- Siempre te rindes, levanta las manos en señal de derrotaYou always give up, put your hands up as a sign of defeat
- ¡Levanta las manos ahora mismo!Put your hands up right now!
- Levanta las manos para la foto.Put your hands up for the photo.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a music festival.
- Sofía¡Mira el escenario! ¡Levanta las manos, Mateo!Look at the stage! Put your hands up, Mateo!
- Mateo¡Sí! ¡Me encanta esta canción!Yes! I love this song!
- SofíaTodos están bailando y gritando.Everyone is dancing and shouting.
- Mateo¡Es el mejor momento del concierto!It's the best moment of the concert!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
