magistrat
/ma.ʒis.tʁa/masculine
The French word for magistrate is magistrat.
The term refers to a judicial officer.
Meaning: judicial officer (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
magistrat is a masculine noun. Its plural form is magistrats and its feminine form is magistrate.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.ʒis.tʁa/
Did you know?
- Unlike in some English-speaking systems, a French magistrat can be an 'investigating magistrate' juge d'instruction who actively gathers evidence to determine if a case should go to trial.
- French law distinguishes between 'magistrats du siège' (judges who sit) and 'magistrats du parquet' (prosecutors who stand), a distinction often expressed through their physical position in the courtroom.
- To become a magistrat, one must pass a notoriously difficult competitive exam called 'le concours', which is a major milestone in French public life.
Examples in context
- Un magistrat a été assassiné par la mafia.A magistrate was assassinated by the mafia.This sentence illustrates the use of magistrat in the context of a crime.Tatoeba #3114726 by Blabla, translation #12317387 by Miktsoanit
- Le magistrat a pris sa décision.The magistrate made his decision.This sentence shows magistrat as the subject of a legal decision.Tatoeba #11526792 by carlosalberto, translation #11526784 by carlosalberto
- L'obscénité est tout ce qui se trouve choquer un quelconque magistrat âgé et ignorant.Obscenity is whatever happens to shock some elderly and ignorant magistrate.This sentence uses magistrat to describe a specific type of individual.Tatoeba #411839 by jerom, translation #411795 by Scott
- Le juge a rendu son verdict.The magistrate has delivered his verdict.
- Les magistrats étudient attentivement les affaires.The magistrates carefully study the cases.
- Le juge a été très sympathique avec moi.The magistrate was very kind to me.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a law student's career goals.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu veux devenir magistrat ?Do you want to become a magistrate?
- ManonOui, c'est mon rêve depuis longtemps.Yes, it has been my dream for a long time.
- GabrielC'est un métier très respecté.It is a very respected profession.
- ManonLe rôle d'un magistrat est essentiel.The role of a magistrate is essential.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “magistrate” translations and entries magistrat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
