dame la mano
/dame la mano/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'shake my hand' is translated into Spanish as dame la mano.
dame la mano is used to request that someone grasp your hand, which can function as a greeting or a way to agree on something. Beyond a handshake, it is frequently used when asking someone to hold your hand for physical support, such as when helping them cross a street or climb a step.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dame la mano literally translates to 'give me the hand'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
dame la mano is an informal expression because it uses the 'tú' command form. It is appropriate to use with friends, peers or children. For a formal way to say 'shake my hand', you can use estrechar mi mano. If you want to be extremely formal and say 'to have the pleasure of shaking your hand', use tener el gusto de apretar su mano.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word dame is the imperative or command form of the verb dar (to give) combined with the pronoun me (me).
How do you pronounce it?
/dame la mano/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a handshake is often accompanied by a light touch on the other person's forearm or shoulder. This physical connection is common even when using the polite form estrechar la mano.
- The Latin root of mano, *manus, is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *seh₂, which means 'to beckon'. This links the physical body part directly to the ancient act of signaling or calling someone.
- The formal way to describe a handshake, estrechar la mano, uses a verb that can also mean 'to narrow' or 'to tighten', suggesting a firm and respectful grip.
Examples in context
- Dame la mano.Shake my hand.Tatoeba #1020715 by Shishir, translation #410593 by CK
- Permítame darle la mano.Allow me to shake your hand.
- Es un honor tener el gusto de apretar su mano.It is an honor to have the pleasure of shaking your hand.
- ¿Me das la mano?Can you shake my hand?
- Dame la mano para cerrar el trato.Shake my hand to close the deal.
Example conversation
Javier and María meet for the first time at a business event.
- JavierHola, soy Javier. Dame la mano.Hello, I am Javier. Shake my hand.
- MaríaMucho gusto, Javier. Soy María.Nice to meet you, Javier. I am María.
- JavierEs un placer conocerte, María.It is a pleasure to meet you, María.
- MaríaIgualmente, gracias.Likewise, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, mano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
