avocat
/a.vɔ.ka/masculine
The French word for attorney is avocat.
The term avocat refers to a lawyer. If you are referring to a person providing legal advice or counsel, you may also use conseiller juridique.
Meaning: lawyer (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is masculine in its default form. To refer to a female lawyer, use the feminine form avocate.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.vɔ.ka/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that avocat is a homonym for the fruit avocado. In spoken French, ensure your context is clear to avoid confusion between the legal professional and the fruit.
When do people say it?
When speaking to an attorney, it is customary to address them as Maître followed by their surname.
Did you know?
- French legal culture distinguishes between an avocat and a notaire, with the latter having exclusive powers to handle property transfers and wills.
- In a French courtroom, the avocat often wears a long black robe and a distinctive gown called an épitoge to signify their rank.
- The term Maître used to address an avocat literally means 'Master'. This title is used regardless of the lawyer's gender or seniority.
Examples in context
- Je veux un avocat.I want an attorney.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for an attorney.Tatoeba #1997920 by sacredceltic, translation #2011401 by CK
- Parle à mon avocat.Talk to my attorney.This sentence is useful for instructing someone to speak to your attorney.Tatoeba #5803676 by Aiji, translation #4499946 by CK
- J'ai engagé un avocat.I've hired an attorney.This sentence is useful for stating that you have hired an attorney.Tatoeba #5924898 by Kaelink, translation #5916625 by CK
- J'ai besoin de consulter un avocat pour obtenir des conseils juridiques.I need to consult an attorney to get legal advice.
- Le juriste m'a représenté lors du procès.The legal professional represented me during the trial.
- Mon conseiller juridique m'aide à résoudre mes problèmes juridiques.My legal advisor helps me resolve my legal problems.
- J'ai rencontré un(e) avocat(e) hier et il/elle m'a donné de bons conseils.I met an attorney yesterday and he/she gave me good advice.
- Mon frère a réussi à devenir membre du barreau.My brother succeeded in becoming a member of the bar.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing a legal problem.
- NathanJe ne sais pas quoi faire.I don't know what to do.
- EmmaTu devrais consulter un avocat.You should consult a lawyer.
- NathanEst-ce que tu connais un bon avocat ?Do you know a good lawyer?
- EmmaOui, je peux te donner son numéro.Yes, I can give you his number.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attorney” translations and entries avocat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
