sous une sentence
sous the sentence
Literally: under a sentence
Use it when someone is officially bound by a serious, final decision or legal punishment.
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
In France, the term 'sentence' is famously associated with the reality show 'Koh-Lanta' (the French 'Survivor'). The phrase 'La sentence est irrévocable' has become a massive pop-culture meme. Historically, it stems from the Latin 'sententia', meaning an opinion or a vote, evolving into a formal judicial decree.
The Grammar Trap
Don't use `sentence` for writing! If you're in a French class, your teacher wants to hear `phrase`. Using `sentence` will make it sound like you're going to jail for your essay.
The Koh-Lanta Effect
If you want to sound like a local, say 'La sentence est irrévocable' when making a final decision. It's a famous catchphrase from a TV show that every French person knows.
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
Don't use `sentence` for writing! If you're in a French class, your teacher wants to hear `phrase`. Using `sentence` will make it sound like you're going to jail for your essay.
The Koh-Lanta Effect
If you want to sound like a local, say 'La sentence est irrévocable' when making a final decision. It's a famous catchphrase from a TV show that every French person knows.
Arbitration vs. Criminal
In strictly criminal law, `condamnation` is more common. Use `sentence` specifically for arbitration or when you want to sound more literary and dramatic.
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
Choose the correct word to complete the legal context.
L'accusé est ___ une sentence de travaux d'intérêt général.
The preposition `sous` (under) is always used with `sentence` to indicate being subject to it.
Distinguish between grammar and law.
Le juge a rendu sa ___, mais l'étudiant a écrit une ___.
In French, `sentence` is a judicial ruling, while `phrase` is a grammatical sentence.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sous une sentence'
Used ironically for chores or small rules.
Sous une sentence de vaisselle.
General discussion of news or sports.
L'arbitre a rendu sa sentence.
Official legal documents and arbitration.
Sous une sentence arbitrale exécutoire.
Where to use 'Sous une sentence'
International Trade
Economic sanctions.
Reality TV
Elimination from a show.
Sports
Referee's final decision.
Parenting
Grounding a child.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. In English, it's mostly grammatical. In French, une sentence is almost exclusively a legal ruling or a moral maxim.
Yes, but it sounds very dramatic. You would usually use une punition or une sanction instead of une sentence.
Generally, yes. Being sous une sentence implies a penalty or a restriction of some kind.
The verb tomber (to fall) is very common, as in tomber sous le coup d'une sentence.
It is rare in casual talk unless you are joking or talking about a very serious legal matter you saw in the news.
That would be une sentence de mort or, more commonly in a legal sense, une condamnation à mort.
Yes, in French law, the decision made by an arbitrator is specifically called une sentence arbitrale.
It is definitely on the formal side. It belongs in a courtroom or a serious newspaper article.
It means the decision cannot be changed or appealed. It is the final word.
Yes, in a literary context, une sentence can also mean a short, pithy moral saying, though this is less common today.
Related Phrases
sous le coup de
rendre un verdict
une condamnation
faire jurisprudence
trancher un litige
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