What does main in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word main in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use main in French.

The word main in French means hand, hand, turn, by hand, handball, hand's width, hand, fist, by hand, by hand, freehand, unarmed, with your bare hands, close to hand, close at hand, within easy reach, hindquarters, armed assault, armed attack, have well under control, have well in hand, the ball is in 's court, be in control of play, be having your turn, be quick to lash out, not be having any luck, not be catching any breaks, have green fingers, have the situation under control, be open-handed, hold all the cards, have to hand, never do a stroke of work, hand baggage, carry-on baggage, brush away with your hand, hand whisk, beat hands down, hand embroidered, it fits in your hand, ready for use, ready to use, can count on the fingers of one hand, can be counted on the fingers of one hand, help, handiness, coup de main, hand-sewn, made-to-measure, tailor-made, palm of the hand, palm of your hand, with a wave of your hand, with a wave of your hand, with a sweep of your hand, with an iron fist, secondhand, masterfully, first-hand, directly, second-hand, ask for 's hand in marriage, freehand drawing, give your hand to, give your hand, give a hand, lend a hand, shake hands, write by hand, handwritten, handprint, biometric fingerprint, personally, in person, bet your life on it, stake your life on it, bet your bottom dollar on it, bet your life on it, stake your life on it, bet your bottom dollar on it, secretly, in secret, unofficially, in no time at all, be inseparable, be taken in hand, lorgnette, make by hand, make by hand, make yourself, help yourself to , walk off with, wave to, handmade, handmade, hand ball, give a hand, lend a hand, handbrake, win easily, handguard, hand shield, handguard, hand shield, keep your hand in, maintain control over, keep to hand, keep close to hand, with flying colours, henchman, crony, lackey, hands-free kit, To Catch a Thief, hand-washing, hand basin, wash basin, washbasin, hand-washing, put your hand up, put up your hand, raise your hand, raise your hand to, palm line, read palms, handrail, taffrail, handrail, day book, log book, log, day book, hand in hand, hand of justice, main-gauche, the Black Hand, labour, workforce, staff, unskilled labour, workforce, paid workforce. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word main

hand

nom féminin (extrémité des bras) (anatomy)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La main de l'homme compte 5 doigts.

Human hands have four fingers and a thumb.

hand

nom féminin (jeu : cartes en main) (playing cards)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Marcel débute avec une main sans atout.

Marcel started with a trumpless hand.

turn

nom féminin (Cartes : tour de jouer)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Vas-y, c'est toi qui as la main.

Go ahead, it's your turn.

by hand

adverbe (manuellement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Cet article est fait main.

This item is made by hand.

handball

nom féminin (Sports : faute de main) (soccer)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'arbitre a sifflé un penalty à cause d'une main.

The referee blew a penalty because of a handball.

hand's width

nom féminin (unité de mesure)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Il me faut deux longueurs de main de ce tissu.

I need two hand's width of this fabric.

hand, fist

nom féminin (image de la force)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Il dirige ses affaires d'une main de fer.

He manages his businesses with an iron hand.

by hand

locution adverbiale (manuellement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ces assiettes sont peintes à la main.

These plates are painted by hand.

by hand

locution adverbiale (pas à la machine)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

J'ai lavé ma voiture à la main. // Il faut laver ce pull à la main.

This jumper has to be hand-washed.

freehand

locution adverbiale (sans outil de dessin) (drawing)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

L'architecte traça un plan à main levée.

unarmed

locution adverbiale (sans arme)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

with your bare hands

locution adverbiale (sans protection, ni outil)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

close to hand, close at hand

locution adverbiale (très près)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Je te rappelle, garde ton portable à portée de la main.

within easy reach

locution adverbiale (pas très loin)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

hindquarters

nom féminin (animal : partie postérieure)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Ce cheval s'est blessé à l'arrière-main en tombant.

armed assault, armed attack

nom féminin (braquage)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

have well under control, have well in hand

locution verbale (maîtriser, contrôler)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ce jeune chef d'orchestre a ses musiciens bien en main.

the ball is in 's court

locution verbale (figuré (avoir l'initiative) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

C'est à Pierre de décider, il a la main.

It's up to Pierre; the ball is in his court.

be in control of play, be having your turn

locution verbale (figuré (jeu : être à son tour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Les joueurs attendaient Pierre car il avait la main.

be quick to lash out

locution verbale (figuré (être prompt à frapper)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

L'enfant se dépêcha d'obéir car il savait que sa mère avait la main leste.

not be having any luck, not be catching any breaks

locution verbale (figuré (être malchanceux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

C'est la troisième fois que Jeanne essaie d'entrer dans cette entreprise mais elle a la main malheureuse

have green fingers

locution verbale (figuré (savoir s’occuper des plantes) (UK, figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Monique a un jardin magnifique, il faut dire qu'elle a la main verte.

have the situation under control

locution verbale (maîtriser la situation)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be open-handed

locution verbale (figuré (être généreux)

Paul a le cœur sur la main, tu peux lui demander ce que tu veux.

hold all the cards

locution verbale (figuré (connaître les faits) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have to hand

locution verbale (avoir à disposition) (mainly UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il avait toujours un briquet sous la main.

never do a stroke of work

locution verbale (familier (être fainéant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hand baggage, carry-on baggage

nom masculin (petite valise personnelle) (uncountable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

En cabine, les passagers ont droit à un seul bagage à main.

brush away with your hand

locution verbale (chasser du revers de la main)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hand whisk

nom masculin (cuisine : petit fouet)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

beat hands down

locution verbale (vaincre avec écart important) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hand embroidered

locution adjectivale (réalisé artisanalement)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

it fits in your hand

(c'est petit et pratique)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

ready for use, ready to use

locution adjectivale (prêt à être utilisé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Cette balançoire est livrée clés en mains. Pour son nouveau système informatique de gestion du personnel, notre société a opté pour un contrat clés en mains.

Our company went for a turnkey contract for its new HR management system.

can count on the fingers of one hand

locution verbale (recense une faible occurrence de [qch]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je peux compter mes véritables amis sur les doigts de la main.

can be counted on the fingers of one hand

locution verbale (être rare) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les vrais amis se comptent généralement sur les doigts de la main.

True friends can generally be counted on the fingers of one hand.

help

nom masculin (aide)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Merci pour le coup de main ! Sans toi, je n'aurais jamais pu finir de déménager dans les temps.

Thanks for giving me a hand! I'd never have been able to get the move done in time without you.

handiness

nom masculin (habileté manuelle)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Pour monter ce meuble, il faut le coup de main, regarde. Je pose cette planche ici, je tape un coup là et voilà !

You need to be good with your hands to put this piece of furniture together; look. I put this bit of wood here, I hit it there, and there you go!

coup de main

nom masculin (opération militaire ciblée) (Gallicism)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

L'état-major a décidé un coup de main contre ce camp d'entraînement ennemi.

hand-sewn

locution adjectivale (cousu sans machine)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

made-to-measure, tailor-made

locution adjectivale (cousu à la main)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

palm of the hand, palm of your hand

nom masculin (cavité de la paume)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

with a wave of your hand

locution verbale (d'un geste de la main)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Le maire a balayé les critiques d'un revers de la main.

with a wave of your hand

locution verbale (figuré (très facilement) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Le spécialiste a résolu notre problème d'un revers de la main.

with a sweep of your hand

nom masculin (dédaigneusement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Sa mère lui parlait mais il repoussa d'un revers de la main tout ce qu'elle lui disait.

with an iron fist

locution adverbiale (figuré (fermement) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

C'est un père très autoritaire qui dirige toute sa famille d'une main de fer.

secondhand

locution adjectivale (d'occasion)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

masterfully

locution adverbiale (à la perfection)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

first-hand, directly

locution adverbiale (directement, de la source même)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Nous avons acheté cette voiture de première main.

We bought this car direct from the seller.

second-hand

nom féminin (d'occasion)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Ce véhicule n'est pas neuf mais de seconde main.

This car isn't new; it's second-hand.

ask for 's hand in marriage

locution verbale (proposer à [qqn] de se marier) (formal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

freehand drawing

nom masculin (représentation picturale sans outil)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Je fais un rapide dessin à main levée pour que l'on puisse se faire une idée.

give your hand to

locution verbale (tenir la main)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

give your hand

locution verbale (tenir la main de [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Donne-moi la main pour traverser.

Hold my hand while we cross.

give a hand, lend a hand

locution verbale (familier, figuré (aider [qqn]) (general help, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je donne un coup de main à mon frère qui déménage.

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. The charity will give a helping hand to children in need.

shake hands

locution verbale (se serrer la main)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

write by hand

locution verbale (écrire avec un stylo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

handwritten

locution adjectivale (rédigé avec un stylo)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

handprint

nom féminin (trace de main)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

biometric fingerprint

nom féminin (empreinte biométrique)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

personally, in person

locution adverbiale (directement, sans intermédiaire)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

bet your life on it, stake your life on it, bet your bottom dollar on it

locution verbale (figuré (être absolument convaincu de [qch]) (colloquial, figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je te dis qu'il la trompe ! J'en mettrais ma main à couper !

bet your life on it, stake your life on it, bet your bottom dollar on it

locution verbale (figuré (être absolument convaincu de [qch]) (colloquial, figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je l'ai vu, j'en mettrais ma main au feu !

secretly, in secret, unofficially

locution adverbiale (officieusement, en secret)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

in no time at all

locution adverbiale (aisément)

be inseparable

locution verbale (être d'inséparables amis)

be taken in hand

locution verbale (se faire servir)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

lorgnette

nom masculin (vieux (binocle muni d'un manche) (eyeglasses)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

On maintenait son face-à-main devant les yeux au moyen d'un manche.

make by hand

locution verbale (faire sans robot)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

make by hand

locution verbale (faire artisanalement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

make yourself

locution verbale (faire soi-même)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

help yourself to , walk off with

(s'approprier [qch] en totalité)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

wave to

locution verbale (saluer)

Juliette me fit signe de la main derrière la vitre du train.

handmade

locution adjectivale (fabriqué artisanalement, sans machine)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

handmade

locution adjectivale (réalisé à la main, pas à la machine)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

hand ball

nom féminin (Football : infraction) (sports: countable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

give a hand, lend a hand

locution verbale (familier (aider) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Comme mon frère déménageait et que je n'avais rien à faire, je suis allée lui filer un coup de main.

Since my brother was moving and I didn't have anything else to do, I went and gave him (or: lent him) a hand.

handbrake

nom masculin (véhicule : dispositif d'arrêt)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Mieux vaut serrer le frein à main lorsque l'on se gare en côte.

win easily

locution verbale (gagner facilement)

handguard, hand shield

nom masculin (protection d'ouvrage)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

handguard, hand shield

nom masculin (protection sur un canon)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

keep your hand in

(souvent au passé (être encore performant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Malgré 3 ans d'interruption, tu as gardé la main !

Despite a three-year break, you've kept your hand in!

maintain control over

(garder le contrôle sur)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le directeur garde toujours la main sur ce budget.

keep to hand, keep close to hand

locution verbale (garder à disposition) (mainly UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Elle gardait une photo de famille sous la main.

with flying colours

locution adverbiale (facilement) (UK)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Les joueurs professionnels du club parisien ont battu les amateurs normands haut la main. Ma fille a travaillé dur et a obtenu son examen haut la main.

The professional players of the Parisian club beat the Norman amateurs hands down.

henchman, crony, lackey

nom masculin (sbire, [qqn] chargé des basses œuvres)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Les hommes de main du caïd font régner leurs lois.

The gang leader's henchmen impose their rules.

hands-free kit

nom masculin (appareil audio-phonique)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Le kit mains libres est un accessoire pour téléphones portables qui dispense de les tenir.

To Catch a Thief

nom propre (film de Hitchcock) (film title)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

hand-washing

nom masculin (lavage manuel de [qch]) (process, activity)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

hand basin, wash basin, washbasin

nom masculin invariable (petit lavabo)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Il y a souvent un lave-mains dans les toilettes.

hand-washing

nom féminin (lessive manuelle) (activity)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

put your hand up, put up your hand, raise your hand

locution verbale (demander la parole)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

"Si vous connaissez la réponse, levez la main", indiqua le professeur. Les élèves lèvent la main en classe pour demander la parole.

raise your hand to

(frapper [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Jamais tu ne lèveras la main sur tes enfants.

palm line

nom féminin (trait de paume) (hand)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

read palms

(prédire l'avenir à [qqn] selon ses paumes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

handrail, taffrail

nom féminin (Marine : lisse) (nautical)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Le matelot se tenait à la main courante.

handrail

nom féminin

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

day book, log book, log

nom féminin (registre de police) (police)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Chaque plainte doit être consignée sur la main courante du commissariat.

day book

nom féminin (registre) (register)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cette inscription au club n’apparaît pas sur la main courante. Nos opérateurs de vidéosurveillance tiennent une main courante dans laquelle ils consignent tous les événements qu'ils voient.

hand in hand

locution adverbiale (ensemble) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

hand of justice

nom féminin (insigne royal) (French royal insignia)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La main de justice est un sceptre porté le jour du sacre et dans les grandes cérémonies, au haut duquel était la figure d’une main, emblème de puissance.

main-gauche

nom féminin (Histoire (dague en complément d'une épée) (French dagger: historical)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

the Black Hand

nom féminin (organisation secrète serbe) (Serbian group: historical)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

labour

nom féminin (travail manuel) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Une robe de haute couture nécessite beaucoup de main-d'œuvre.

One haute couture dress requires a lot of labor.

workforce, staff

nom féminin (totalité des salariés, des ouvriers)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Dans cette région frontalière la main-d'œuvre est importante.

The workforce is important in this border region.

unskilled labour

nom féminin (travailleurs sans spécialité) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

workforce, paid workforce

nom féminin (employés)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Les vendanges nécessitent une main d'œuvre salariée robuste.

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