Votre Honneur
In French, "your honor" is translated as Votre Honneur.
Meaning: Translations (pron)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Quebec, Canada, the phrase Monsieur/Madame le/la juge is preferred over Votre Honneur.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While Votre Honneur is a common translation in media, in many actual French legal proceedings, lawyers address the judge as Monsieur le Président or Madame la Présidente.
Did you know?
- In France, the phrase Votre Honneur is almost never used in actual courtrooms, as it is viewed as an 'Anglicism' imported from American movies and TV shows.
- French judges are often addressed as Monsieur le Président even if they are not the president of a country, because they preside over the court's proceedings.
- The French word votre is a descendant of the Latin 'voster', which existed alongside the 'proper' Latin form 'vester'.
Examples in context
- Objection, Votre Honneur.Objection, Your Honor.This sentence shows how to use Votre Honneur when making an objection.Tatoeba #11790358 by lbdx, translation #11790357 by ddnktr
- Le juge demanda à l'actrice étasunienne Mae West, qui répondait d'une accusation d'obscénité, si elle essayait de montrer de l'irrespect à la cour, à quoi elle répondit : « Non, votre honneur, j'essaie de ne pas le montrer ».In court facing charges of obscenity, the American actress Mae West was asked by the judge if she was trying to show disrespect to the court, whereupon she answered, "No, your honor, I'm trying not to show it".This sentence illustrates a historical anecdote where Votre Honneur is used in response to a judge's question in court.Tatoeba #952521 by sacredceltic, translation #585003 by Dejo
Example conversation
Lucas is testifying in a courtroom before Judge Emma.
- LucasJe ne me rappelle plus, Votre Honneur.I don't remember anymore, Your Honor.
- EmmaPrenez votre temps pour réfléchir, Lucas.Take your time to think, Lucas.
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Votre Honneur.Thank you very much, Your Honor.
- EmmaMaintenant, répondez à la question.Now, answer the question.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries honneur, votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
