In 15 Seconds
- A deliberate, conscious decision made through willpower.
- Used in professional, philosophical, or serious personal contexts.
- Reflects the French cultural value of logic and rationality.
Meaning
This phrase refers to making a deliberate, conscious decision or assessment. It is about using your willpower to form an opinion rather than just reacting on instinct.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a performance review
Il a fait preuve d'un jugement volontaire face à la crise.
He showed voluntary judgment in the face of the crisis.
Discussing a difficult choice with a friend
C'était un jugement volontaire de ma part de partir.
It was a deliberate judgment on my part to leave.
In a formal debate
Nous devons exercer un jugement volontaire et impartial.
We must exercise a voluntary and impartial judgment.
Cultural Background
The 'Bac de Philo' is a rite of passage for French teenagers. They are often asked to write for 4 hours on topics like 'Is the will enough to be free?'. This fosters a deep cultural appreciation for 'jugement volontaire'. In Quebec, legal terminology often mirrors French civil law, but with a North American pragmatic twist. 'Jugement volontaire' is frequently discussed in the context of 'consentement éclairé' (informed consent) in healthcare. In many West African cultures, judgment is often communal (the 'palabre'). However, modern legal systems in countries like Senegal use 'jugement volontaire' to emphasize individual responsibility within the state framework. Belgian French often uses 'volontaire' in a way that emphasizes 'headstrong' or 'determined'. A 'jugement volontaire' might be seen as a sign of a strong, independent character (un caractère bien trempé).
Use with 'Exercer'
In a formal essay, always use the verb 'exercer' with 'jugement volontaire' to sound like a native scholar.
Not for 'Volunteering'
Don't use this to say you are volunteering at a soup kitchen. Use 'faire du bénévolat' for that.
In 15 Seconds
- A deliberate, conscious decision made through willpower.
- Used in professional, philosophical, or serious personal contexts.
- Reflects the French cultural value of logic and rationality.
What It Means
At its heart, un jugement volontaire is about agency. It is the act of stepping back and choosing how to perceive something. Instead of letting your emotions run the show, you engage your brain. It is like being the judge in your own mental courtroom. You look at the facts and decide your stance. It is not an accident; it is a choice. Think of it as 'mindful evaluation.'
How To Use It
You use this when you want to emphasize that a decision was intentional. It often appears in discussions about ethics, philosophy, or high-stakes business. You might say someone showed un jugement volontaire when they stayed calm during a crisis. It sounds a bit sophisticated. It tells people you are thinking deeply. Use it when you want to sound rational and composed.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional performance reviews or serious debates. It is perfect for describing a leader who doesn't jump to conclusions. You can also use it in personal growth contexts. For example, when you decide to stop judging a friend harshly. It works well in writing, like in an essay or a formal email. It adds a layer of intellectual weight to your words.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for trivial things. If you are choosing between chocolate or vanilla, it is too heavy. Your friends might think you are being overly dramatic or robotic. It is also not for impulsive actions. If you tripped and fell, that wasn't a jugement volontaire. Avoid it in slang-heavy conversations or at a loud party. It is a 'quiet room' kind of phrase.
Cultural Background
French culture places a massive premium on logic and 'le Cartesianisme' (Descartes' philosophy). Being 'volontaire' (willful/deliberate) is seen as a sign of maturity and education. In France, being able to explain *why* you think something is as important as the thought itself. This phrase reflects that love for intellectual control. It is about the triumph of the mind over raw impulse.
Common Variations
You will often hear faire preuve de jugement (to show judgment). Another common one is un choix délibéré (a deliberate choice). If you want to be more casual, you might just say réfléchir avant d'agir. In legal contexts, you might see jugement de valeur (value judgment). All these circle the same idea of using your head.
Usage Notes
This phrase is high-register and formal. Use it in professional writing or serious debates to emphasize rationality. Avoid in casual settings to prevent sounding pretentious.
Use with 'Exercer'
In a formal essay, always use the verb 'exercer' with 'jugement volontaire' to sound like a native scholar.
Not for 'Volunteering'
Don't use this to say you are volunteering at a soup kitchen. Use 'faire du bénévolat' for that.
The Cartesian Link
Mentioning Descartes when using this phrase in a French university setting will earn you major bonus points.
Agreement
Remember that 'volontaire' doesn't change for feminine, but 'jugement' is always masculine anyway!
Examples
6Il a fait preuve d'un jugement volontaire face à la crise.
He showed voluntary judgment in the face of the crisis.
Highlights the employee's ability to remain calm and rational.
C'était un jugement volontaire de ma part de partir.
It was a deliberate judgment on my part to leave.
Emphasizes that the departure was a thought-out decision.
Nous devons exercer un jugement volontaire et impartial.
We must exercise a voluntary and impartial judgment.
Used to call for objectivity in a serious discussion.
J'ai pris un jugement volontaire pour ma santé.
I made a conscious decision for my health.
Shows personal agency in making a lifestyle change.
Son entêtement est presque un jugement volontaire !
His stubbornness is almost a voluntary judgment!
Pokes fun at someone being intentionally difficult.
Avec un jugement volontaire, j'aurais évité cette erreur.
With deliberate judgment, I would have avoided this mistake.
Reflecting on how more thought could have helped.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte.
Pour réussir cet examen, il faut faire preuve de ___ ___.
We need the singular masculine noun and adjective.
Quelle phrase utilise correctement l'expression ?
Choisissez la meilleure option :
The phrase is used for serious, deliberate assessments, not trivial tastes or physical actions.
Associez les synonymes.
Reliez les expressions de gauche à leur sens à droite.
Jugement volontaire is the act of conscious decision.
Complétez le dialogue.
A: Pourquoi as-tu choisi ce livre ? B: C'est un ___ ___ car je veux apprendre la philosophie.
The context of wanting to learn philosophy suggests a deliberate, willed choice.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous cette expression ?
Situation : Vous décidez de changer de vie après un an de réflexion.
A year of reflection indicates a deliberate, willed decision.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Jugement Volontaire vs. Réflexe
Practice Bank
5 exercisesPour réussir cet examen, il faut faire preuve de ___ ___.
We need the singular masculine noun and adjective.
Choisissez la meilleure option :
The phrase is used for serious, deliberate assessments, not trivial tastes or physical actions.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Jugement volontaire is the act of conscious decision.
A: Pourquoi as-tu choisi ce livre ? B: C'est un ___ ___ car je veux apprendre la philosophie.
The context of wanting to learn philosophy suggests a deliberate, willed choice.
Situation : Vous décidez de changer de vie après un an de réflexion.
A year of reflection indicates a deliberate, willed decision.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNot exactly. 'Free will' is 'le libre arbitre' (the capacity). 'Jugement volontaire' is the specific act of using that capacity to make a decision.
Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better suited for life-changing or ethical decisions.
An 'impulsion' (impulse) or a 'réflexe' (reflex).
It is 'un jugement' (masculine).
Des jugements volontaires (add an 's' to both).
As an adjective, it means 'voluntary'. As a noun, 'un volontaire' can mean a volunteer (often in a military or NGO context), but 'un bénévole' is more common for charity.
Yes, especially in editorials or opinion pieces in 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro'.
Yes, that is a grammatically correct way to describe your state of mind.
Yes, to describe an act done with intent, though 'acte volontaire' is more common in criminal law.
Because it requires understanding the difference between simple 'choix' and the more abstract concept of 'will' and 'judgment'.
Yes! It shows you are a reflective and deliberate professional.
Not necessarily. A 'jugement volontaire' can still be wrong, but it was made on purpose.
Not really. Slang tends to be less abstract. You'd just say 'C'est mon choix'.
Like the 'an' in 'pardon', but with your mouth more open.
Related Phrases
Libre arbitre
similarFree will
En connaissance de cause
builds onWith full knowledge
Jugement de valeur
contrastValue judgment
De plein gré
similarOf one's own accord
Acte délibéré
similarDeliberate act
Prendre parti
specialized formTo take a side
