Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| droits de l'homme | /dʁwa d(ə) l‿ɔm/ | masculine, plural |
| droits humains | /dʁwa.z‿y.mɛ̃/ | masculine, plural |
| droits de la personne | masculine, plural |
All these terms refer to the set of basic rights and freedoms that all humans should be guaranteed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase droits de l'homme literally translates to "rights of the man", using the generic masculine to represent all of humanity.
Which one should you use?
Droits de l'homme is the traditional and most common term used in historical and legal contexts, though it is increasingly criticized because it can be seen as gender-exclusive. For a more modern and inclusive alternative that focuses on the species rather than "man", you can use droits humains. In Quebec and much of Canada, droits de la personne is the standard term used to refer to human rights.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the use of droits de la personne is particularly prominent.
How does it change in a sentence?
While "human rights" is plural in English, the French phrase droits de l'homme uses a singular noun, homme, to represent the concept of humanity.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʁwa d(ə) l‿ɔm/
Did you know?
- The word 'personne' in the phrase droits de la personne shares an ancient root with the Latin 'persona', which originally referred to a mask worn by an actor.
Examples in context
- Tom est militant des droits de l'homme.Tom is a human rights activist.This sentence shows how to use droits de l'homme to describe an activist.Tatoeba #6861010 by Micsmithel, translation #5201726 by Hybrid
- Les droits des femmes sont des droits de l'homme.Women's rights are human rights.This sentence demonstrates how women's rights are considered part of droits de l'homme.Tatoeba #1308122 by sacredceltic, translation #1307185 by marcelostockle
- La foule a manifesté en faveur des droits humains.The crowd demonstrated in support of human rights.This sentence illustrates the use of droits humains in the context of a demonstration.Tatoeba #11932579 by lbdx, translation #680663 by Source_VOA
- Les droits de l'Homme doivent être protégés dans tous les pays.Human rights must be protected in all countries.
- Il est essentiel de défendre et protéger les droits de la personne.It is essential to defend and protect human rights.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing a news report.
- ChloéCe reportage sur les droits de l'homme est choquant.This report on human rights is shocking.
- HugoJe suis d'accord, c'est vraiment terrible.I agree, it is truly terrible.
- ChloéNous devons protéger les droits de l'homme partout.We must protect human rights everywhere.
- HugoTu as raison, Chloé.You are right, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “human rights” translations and entries droits de l'homme, droits humains, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, droits humains, la, personne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
