Have the floor Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhæv/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfɫɔɹ

HAV thuh FLOR

UK

hav/ /ðə, ði/ /flˈɔː

HAV thuh FLOR

Definition

To be the person who is allowed to speak in a meeting or formal setting while others listen.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in formal meetings, debates, or legislative contexts. To 'have the floor' means one has permission to speak; others should not interrupt. You might 'give the floor' to someone else. Not used in casual conversation.

• Spanish: tener la palabra
• Portuguese (BR): ter a palavra
• Portuguese (PT): ter a palavra
• Chinese (Simplified): 发言权
• Chinese (Traditional): 發言權
• Hindi: बोलने का अधिकार
• Arabic: يملك الكلمة
• Bengali: মন্তব্য করার অধিকার থাকা - কথা বলার অনুমতি থাকা
• Russian: получить слово - иметь слово
• Japanese: 発言権を持つ
• Vietnamese: có quyền phát biểu
• Korean: 발언권을 갖다
• Turkish: söz hakkına sahip olmak
• Urdu: بات کرنے کا حق حاصل ہونا
• Indonesian: memiliki giliran berbicara

Example Sentences

You may have the floor now to present your ideas.

basic

The chairman said, 'Ms. Lee, you have the floor.'

basic

After the report, only board members have the floor.

basic

Sorry to interrupt. Do I have the floor or should I wait?

natural

When you have the floor, please keep your comments brief.

natural

Let's allow the speaker to have the floor before we ask questions.

natural