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"Levantar la mano" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to put one's hand up", and "lavarse las manos" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to wash one's hands". Learn more about the difference between "levantar la mano" and "lavarse las manos" below.
levantar la mano(
leh
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bahn
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tahr
lah
mah
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noh
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. to put one's hand up
Cuando la profesora preguntó quién sabía la respuesta, muchos niños levantaron la mano.When the teacher asked who knew the answer, many children put their hands up.
b. to raise one's hand
Si alguien tiene alguna pregunta, puede levantar la mano y yo le paso el micrófono.If anyone has a question, they can raise their hand, and I'll pass the microphone to them.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to raise one's hand to
¡Que no se te ocurra volver a levantarle la mano a ninguno de mis hijos!Don't even think of raising your hand to any of my children again!
lavarse las manos(
lah
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bahr
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seh
lahs
mah
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nohs
)A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
a. to wash one's hands
Es aconsejable lavarse las manos con frecuencia para evitar infecciones.It is advisable to wash your hands often to avoid infection.
2. (idiom) (to decline responsibility)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
a. to wash your hands (idiom)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
El alcalde se lavó las manos del asunto sórdido.The mayor washed his hands of the whole sordid affair.
