In 15 Seconds
- Being subject to a formal legal ruling or judgment.
- Used in legal, professional, or dramatic contexts.
- Not for grammar; use 'une phrase' for linguistic sentences.
Meaning
This phrase describes being subject to a legal ruling or a formal judgment. It implies that a specific punishment or decision is hanging over someone's head.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a legal report
Le pays est actuellement sous une sentence de l'OMC.
The country is currently under a ruling from the WTO.
A humorous household moment
Je suis sous une sentence : pas de dessert avant d'avoir fini mes légumes !
I'm under a sentence: no dessert until I've finished my vegetables!
Discussing a court case
Il vit sous une sentence d'exil depuis trois ans.
He has been living under a sentence of exile for three years.
Cultural Background
La 'sentence' est souvent associée à l'Ancien Régime et aux décisions royales irrévocables, ce qui lui donne une connotation très solennelle. Au Québec, bien que le système juridique soit mixte, le terme 'sentence' est couramment utilisé dans les médias pour parler des peines de prison, parfois influencé par l'anglais. Dans certains contextes de médiation traditionnelle, la 'sentence' des sages est respectée autant que la loi civile. En Belgique, on utilise plus volontiers le terme 'arrêt' pour les cours supérieures, mais 'sentence' reste utilisé en arbitrage commercial.
The Grammar Trap
Never use 'sentence' to talk about your French homework. Your teacher will think you're talking about a criminal record!
Legal Precision
In modern French law, 'sentence' is mostly used for 'arbitrage' (private dispute resolution). For regular courts, 'jugement' or 'arrêt' is more common. Use 'sentence' to sound very precise or literary.
In 15 Seconds
- Being subject to a formal legal ruling or judgment.
- Used in legal, professional, or dramatic contexts.
- Not for grammar; use 'une phrase' for linguistic sentences.
What It Means
Being sous une sentence means you are currently facing the consequences of a formal decision. In French, the word sentence is much heavier than in English. It rarely refers to a string of words in a book. Instead, it almost always points to a judge's ruling or an arbitrator's final word. Think of it as a weight pressing down on you. You are legally bound by what has been decided. It is the moment when the gavel hits the wood. You are no longer just accused; you are now living under the result.
How To Use It
You will usually see this phrase paired with verbs like être (to be) or tomber (to fall). If you say someone est sous une sentence, you are describing their current legal status. If you say they tombent sous une sentence, it means the judgment just happened. You can use it for serious legal matters. However, you can also use it playfully at home. If your partner decides you have to do the laundry for a month, you are sous une sentence of chores. Just remember, it sounds quite dramatic!
When To Use It
Use this in professional, legal, or journalistic contexts. It is perfect for discussing court cases or arbitration. You might hear it on the news regarding international disputes. It also fits in historical discussions about kings and their decrees. If you are watching a reality show like *Koh-Lanta*, you will hear it often. The host famously says, "La sentence est irrévocable." It adds a layer of gravity to any situation. Use it when the decision is final and serious.
When NOT To Use It
Never use sentence when talking about grammar. If you want to say "That is a long sentence," use une phrase. Using sentence there will make you sound like a confused lawyer. Avoid using it for light, casual suggestions. If a friend suggests pizza, you aren't sous une sentence to eat it. That is just a suggestion. Also, avoid it in very relaxed slang. It is a bit too "high-brow" for a rowdy bar setting unless you are being intentionally ironic.
Cultural Background
In the French legal system, sentence has a very specific niche. While condamnation is used for criminal trials, sentence is the preferred term for arbitration. This happens when private parties settle disputes outside of traditional courts. It carries the weight of the Enlightenment era. It feels official, cold, and absolute. There is a certain theatricality to the word in French culture. It evokes images of old courtrooms and powdered wigs. It represents the ultimate authority of the law over the individual.
Common Variations
You might hear sous le coup d'une sentence. This adds the idea of a physical "blow" (le coup). It makes the judgment feel even more sudden and impactful. Another variation is une sentence arbitrale, which specifies the legal context. If someone is waiting for the result, they are en attente d'une sentence. In literature, you might find une sentence de mort (a death sentence). This is the most extreme version of the phrase. Always pay attention to the adjective following it to know the severity.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly formal and primarily legal. Avoid using it in place of 'phrase' for grammatical sentences to prevent confusion.
The Grammar Trap
Never use 'sentence' to talk about your French homework. Your teacher will think you're talking about a criminal record!
Legal Precision
In modern French law, 'sentence' is mostly used for 'arbitrage' (private dispute resolution). For regular courts, 'jugement' or 'arrêt' is more common. Use 'sentence' to sound very precise or literary.
Literary Weight
When reading Victor Hugo or Albert Camus, look for this word. It often signals the turning point where the hero loses their freedom.
Examples
6Le pays est actuellement sous une sentence de l'OMC.
The country is currently under a ruling from the WTO.
This refers to international trade law and arbitration.
Je suis sous une sentence : pas de dessert avant d'avoir fini mes légumes !
I'm under a sentence: no dessert until I've finished my vegetables!
Using a heavy legal term for a funny domestic rule.
Il vit sous une sentence d'exil depuis trois ans.
He has been living under a sentence of exile for three years.
Describes a long-term state of being affected by a ruling.
Mon équipe est tombée sous une sentence injuste de l'arbitre.
My team fell under an unfair ruling by the referee.
Commonly used in sports to describe a referee's decision.
L'entreprise reste sous une sentence arbitrale jusqu'à nouvel ordre.
The company remains under an arbitral award until further notice.
Very formal business/legal terminology.
Elle a compris qu'elle était sous une sentence irrévocable.
She realized she was under an irrevocable sentence.
Emphasizes the finality of the situation.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte.
Depuis le procès, l'ancien PDG vit ________ une sentence d'interdiction de gérer.
L'expression fixe est 'sous une sentence'.
Quelle phrase utilise 'sentence' correctement en français ?
Choisissez l'option correcte :
En français, 'sentence' est un terme juridique. Pour la grammaire, on utilise 'phrase'.
Associez la situation à l'expression la plus appropriée.
Un criminel qui doit rester chez lui avec un bracelet électronique.
'Sous une sentence' est la collocation correcte pour une contrainte légale.
Complétez le dialogue formel.
Avocat : 'Monsieur le Juge, mon client a déjà passé deux ans ________ une sentence d'exil.'
On utilise 'sous' pour indiquer la soumission à une règle ou un jugement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sentence vs. Phrase
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDepuis le procès, l'ancien PDG vit ________ une sentence d'interdiction de gérer.
L'expression fixe est 'sous une sentence'.
Choisissez l'option correcte :
En français, 'sentence' est un terme juridique. Pour la grammaire, on utilise 'phrase'.
Un criminel qui doit rester chez lui avec un bracelet électronique.
'Sous une sentence' est la collocation correcte pour une contrainte légale.
Avocat : 'Monsieur le Juge, mon client a déjà passé deux ans ________ une sentence d'exil.'
On utilise 'sous' pour indiquer la soumission à une règle ou un jugement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAlmost always. It implies a punishment or a restrictive ruling. However, in arbitration, it just means the 'final decision', which could be in your favor.
No, that sounds like you are the judge. You are 'sous LA sentence' (under the ruling) or 'sous UNE sentence' (under a ruling).
The 'sentence' is the formal decision/document. The 'peine' is the actual punishment (e.g., 5 years in prison).
Yes, especially when reporting on international courts or high-profile political trials.
Une sentence de mort (literary) or, more commonly, 'une condamnation à mort'.
No. 'Sous' indicates the authority you are subject to. 'Derrière' would mean physically behind a document.
Only if you are a lawyer or discussing legal regulations. Otherwise, it's too heavy.
A 'verdict' is the 'guilty/not guilty' decision. The 'sentence' is the formal ruling that follows.
'Rendre' (to render/issue) for the judge, and 'être' or 'vivre' for the person affected.
Yes, 'sous des sentences', but it's rare to be under multiple formal rulings at once.
Related Phrases
sous le coup de
similarUnder the immediate effect of (a law, an emotion).
rendre un verdict
builds onTo deliver a verdict.
épée de Damoclès
figurativeA constant threat.
en dernier ressort
specialized formAs a last resort / final ruling.
