A colorful storybook illustration showing a stern judge in a black robe sitting behind a large wooden bench. A small wooden gavel rests on the bench, representing a magistrate addressed as 'Your Honor'.

señoría

se-nyo-REE-ah

Your Honor?Addressing a judge or magistrate

Also:Your Lordship?Addressing high officials, often historical/parliamentary,Your Ladyship?Addressing high female officials

Quick Reference

infinitive

gerund

past Participle

📝 In Action

Con el debido respeto, Señoría, solicitamos un receso.

With due respect, Your Honor, we request a recess.

La Señoría ha tomado nota de las objeciones presentadas.

The Court (or, Your Honor) has taken note of the objections presented.

¿Puede el testigo responder a la pregunta de la acusación, Señoría?

Can the witness answer the prosecution's question, Your Honor?

Word Connections

Synonyms

magistrado (magistrate/judge)
juez (judge)

Common Collocations

dirigirse a Su Señoría – to address Your Honor
con permiso de Señoría – with permission from Your Honor

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Feminine Title

Even if you are addressing a male judge, the title 'Señoría' is always feminine because it refers to the dignity or jurisdiction ('la señoría'), not the person's gender.

Capitalization in Address

When writing or citing the official title, it is often capitalized (Señoría) to show the highest level of respect.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: "Using 'el Señoría' when referring to a male judge."

Correction: Always use 'la Señoría' or just 'Señoría', regardless of the person's gender, as the word itself is grammatically feminine.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use Only in Formal Contexts

This term should never be used in casual conversation. Reserve it only for addressing high-ranking judicial or legislative figures (judges, ministers, etc.) in official proceedings.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: señoría

Question 1 of 1

In which setting would you most likely use the title 'Señoría'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

señor(sir/Mr.) - noun

señora(madam/Mrs.) - noun

señorío(lordship/dominion) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am speaking to a male judge, should I say 'el Señoría' or 'la Señoría'?

You should always use 'la Señoría' (or just 'Señoría'). The word is grammatically feminine because it refers to the concept of 'dignity' or 'jurisdiction' (which are feminine nouns in Spanish), not the gender of the person holding the title.

Is 'Señoría' the same as 'Señor'?

No. 'Señor' is the standard, polite title for 'Sir' or 'Mr.' 'Señoría' is a much higher and more formal term of address, equivalent to 'Your Honor' or 'Your Lordship/Ladyship,' and is only used in professional or official contexts.