serrer la main
to shake hands
Intermediate Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/sɛ.ʁe la mɛ̃/
💡
Cultural Note
In French professional culture, the handshake is firm, brief, and done each morning upon arrival and each evening upon departure. Not shaking a colleague's hand can be seen as rude or a sign of conflict. In social settings, la bise often replaces the handshake.
📝 Example Sentences
Il m'a serré la main en arrivant.
He shook my hand when he arrived.
En milieu professionnel, on se serre la main.
In professional settings, we shake hands.