respect
/ʁɛs.pɛ/masculine
The English word respect is translated into French as respect.
The term refers to admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit. When using the word to mean the observance of a rule or a deadline, it is often followed by the preposition de, as in le respect de (the respect for/the observance of).
Meaning: admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun respect is masculine, so it is preceded by the masculine article le to form le respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɛs.pɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the noun respect as a verb. While English speakers might try to use the noun to express the action, you should use the verb respecter to mean 'to respect'.
Did you know?
- The word respect in French shares the same Latin root, 'respectus', which literally means 'to look back at'.
- In very formal French, one might say je vous présente mes respects, a traditional greeting that is now rare and used primarily in high-society or diplomatic circles.
- The French noun respect is a 'doublet' of the word répit, which means 'respite' or 'breathing space'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root but took completely different paths in meaning.
Examples in context
- Tu as mon respect.You have my respect.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone has your respect using respect.Tatoeba #8396004 by Aiji, translation #2547997 by CK
- Tu as notre respect.You have our respect.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone has our respect using respect.Tatoeba #4962078 by franlexcois, translation #3821180 by CK
- Je le respecte encore.I still respect him.This sentence is useful for expressing that you still respect him using the verb respecte.Tatoeba #8764651 by zarisi, translation #3910765 by CH
- Bonjour, Monsieur Dupont. Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ?Hello, Mr. Dupont. How are you today?
- 204 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a former boss at a cafe.
- NathanNotre ancien patron mérite le respect.Our former boss deserves respect.
- LéaC'est vrai, il était très juste.It's true, he was very fair.
- NathanTu as toujours eu un grand respect pour lui.You have always had a great respect for him.
- LéaOui, car il nous aidait beaucoup.Yes, because he helped us a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations and entries respect, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries respect, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
