Seigneur prends pitié
The English phrase "lord have mercy" is translated into French as Seigneur prends pitié.
This phrase is a plea for the compassion or forgiveness of God, typically used within a religious context.
Which one should you use?
While Seigneur prends pitié is the standard form, Que le Seigneur ait pitié. is a formal alternative used to express the same sentiment.
Did you know?
- In modern colloquial French, a person might say Seigneur! on its own to express frustration, functioning similarly to the English 'Good grief!'
- The word seigneur shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'sir', both evolving from the Latin 'senior', meaning 'older' or 'superior'.
- While Seigneur prends pitié is religious, French speakers often use the shorter Miséricorde! as a standalone exclamation of shock or dismay.
Examples in context
- Que le Seigneur ait pitié de nos âmes.May the Lord have mercy on our souls
- Seigneur, aie pitié, c'est trop triste.Lord, have mercy, it's too sad
- Seigneur prends pitié de nous.Lord, have mercy on us.
- Seigneur prends pitié de son âme.Lord, have mercy on his soul.
- Seigneur prends pitié, nous sommes perdus.Lord have mercy, we are lost.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are praying together in a church.
- EmmaSeigneur prends pitié de mon âme.Lord have mercy on my soul.
- GabrielAmen, Seigneur prends pitié.Amen, Lord have mercy.
- EmmaIl nous écoute, Gabriel.He is listening to us, Gabriel.
- GabrielOui, Emma, il nous pardonne.Yes, Emma, he forgives us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Seigneur, pitié, seigneur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
