justice
/ʒys.tis/feminine
The French word for justice is justice. Wiktionary also lists équité.
Meaning: fairness, especially with regard to punishment (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| justice | /ʒys.tis/ | feminine |
| équité | /e.ki.te/ | feminine |
When referring to the judicial system or the institution of law, French uses the definite article, la justice.
Which one should you use?
While justice refers to the legal system or the concept of retribution, équité is used to describe the quality of being fair and impartial in a specific situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb phrase used for a judge or a court 'administering' or 'dispensing' justice is rendre la justice.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒys.tis/
Did you know?
- French lawyers often refer to the palais de justice, which translates to 'palace of justice', regardless of whether the building is actually a palace.
- The French expression faire justice à someone does not mean to punish them, but rather to give them the credit or recognition they deserve.
- In French, the word justesse can describe how 'in tune' a musical instrument is, a concept for which English has no direct equivalent in a single word like 'justice'.
Examples in context
- Il est la justice.He is justice.This sentence is useful for describing someone as the embodiment of justice.Tatoeba #132745 by Aiji, translation #300383 by shekitten
- Je veux la justice.I want justice.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for justice.Tatoeba #2427359 by sacredceltic, translation #2247444 by CK
- Dan veut la justice.Dan wants justice.Tatoeba #4007024 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4006903 by Amastan
- La justice sera rendue.Justice will be served.
- La juste rétribution doit être appliquée.Just retribution must be applied.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a court case on the news.
- LucasLe verdict n'est pas juste.The verdict is not fair.
- ManonJe suis d'accord, on veut la justice.I agree, we want justice.
- LucasC'est triste pour la famille.It is sad for the family.
- ManonOui, la justice doit être rendue.Yes, justice must be served.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “justice” translations and entries justice, équité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
