Seigneur
/sɛ.ɲœʁ/masculine
The French word for lord is Seigneur.
In a religious context, Seigneur is the standard way to refer to or address God, functioning similarly to the English word 'Lord'. While it can historically refer to a feudal lord or an aristocrat, its modern usage is most commonly associated with divinity.
Meaning: God (name)
Which one should you use?
While Seigneur can refer to a historical aristocrat or feudal lord, in modern religious contexts it specifically refers to God. For addressing high-ranking clergy like bishops or archbishops, the respectful form Monseigneur is used. For addressing lawyers, judges or experts, the formal title Maître is used to mean master or lord.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using Seigneur to refer to God, the noun is almost always preceded by the definite article le, forming le Seigneur (the Lord).
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ.ɲœʁ/. The word has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word Seigneur is a linguistic 'doublet' of the English word 'senior'. Both descend from the Latin word seniōrem, which originally referred to someone who was older and therefore held higher status.
- In modern secular French, using Seigneur outside of a religious or historical context is rare and often sounds intentionally archaic or theatrical, such as in a period drama.
- In a French courtroom, you would never call a judge Seigneur or Monseigneur. Instead, you must use Monsieur le Juge or the title Maître for lawyers.
Examples in context
- Que le Seigneur soit avec vous.May the Lord be with you.This sentence is useful for expressing a religious blessing using Seigneur.Tatoeba #6697954 by GB3, translation #6697264 by Hybrid
- Ô Seigneur, augmente mon savoir.My Lord, increase my knowledge.This sentence is useful for a religious petition or prayer addressed to Seigneur.Tatoeba #13939148 by Rovo, translation #13938599 by rul
- Le tambour est le seigneur de la musique.The drum is the lord of music.This sentence demonstrates a metaphorical use of Seigneur to describe one thing dominating another.Tatoeba #1291132 by slegros, translation #1060992 by shanghainese
- Bonjour, SeigneurHello, Lord
- Merci, MonseigneurThank you, My Lord
- Salut, Seigneur du CanapéHey, Lord of the Couch
- Seigneur, puis-je vous présenter ma famille?Lord, may I introduce you to my family?
- Salut, Seigneur de la Fête!Hey, Lord of the Party!
- Monseigneur, j'apprécie votre bénédictionMy Lord, I appreciate your blessing.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are in a quiet church.
- LucasLe Seigneur est présent ici.The Lord is present here.
- LéaOui, je le sens.Yes, I feel it.
- LucasPrions le Seigneur ensemble.Let us pray to the Lord together.
- LéaAmen, Lucas.Amen, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lord” translations and entries Seigneur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Seigneur, seigneur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
