Su Señoría
/su seɲoɾia/from spelling rules
In Spanish, your honor is translated as Su Señoría.
Su Señoría is the most common formal way to address a judge and translates to 'Your Honor'.
Meaning: Translations (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Su (His/Her/Your) and Señoría (Lordship/Honor/Highness).
Which one should you use?
While Su Señoría is the standard way to address a judge, Excelentísimo Señor is an even more respectful way used in highly esteemed contexts or official ceremonies. Additionally, Distinguido Magistrado is a formal way to address a judge, often specifically used in a court of appeals or a higher legal instance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Su Señoría is the standard formal way to address a judge in a courtroom setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Even though Su literally means 'His' or 'Her', it is used as the formal second-person possessive 'Your' when addressing a judge.
How do you pronounce it?
/su seɲoɾia/
Did you know?
- While Su Señoría is the standard, using it in a non-legal context can sound deeply sarcastic or mockingly aristocratic in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
- The word señoría is related to the English word 'senior', as both stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'old' or 'elder'.
- While Su Señoría is used for judges, the related term señoría was historically used to address members of the nobility and high-ranking clergy in Spain.
Examples in context
- Su Señoría, mientras que este caso está marcado para juicio, de hecho, al acusado le gustaría aceptar un acuerdo.Your Honor, while this case is marked for trial, in fact, the defendant would like to accept a plea.This sentence shows how to use Su Señoría when addressing a judge regarding a defendant's plea.Tatoeba #5248780 by albrusgher, translation #2313216 by MrShoval
- Su Señoría ha tomado una decisión justa.Your Honor has made a fair decision.
- Su Señoría, pido un breve receso.Your honor, I request a short recess.
- ¿Puedo hablar con usted, Su Señoría?May I speak with you, your honor?
Example conversation
A lawyer is addressing a judge in a courtroom.
- MaríaSu Señoría, tengo una nueva prueba.Your honor, I have a new piece of evidence.
- AlejandroPresente la prueba ahora, abogada.Present the evidence now, counselor.
- MaríaGracias, Su Señoría.Thank you, your honor.
- AlejandroProceda con su argumento.Proceed with your argument.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “your honor” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries señoría, su, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
