señoría

se-nyo-REE-ahse.ɲoˈɾi.a

“señoría” means “Your Honor” in Spanish (Addressing a judge or magistrate).

Your Honor

Also: Your Lordship, Your Ladyship

NounfC1 formal

SpainLatin America

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'.

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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "señoría" in Spanish:

your honor→your ladyship→your lordship→

✏️ 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

🎵 Rhymes▼

tíaalegría

📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the older Spanish word 'señorío' (meaning 'dominion' or 'lordship'), which itself derives from 'señor' (lord). It evolved to become a respectful title that emphasizes the authority and dignity of the person being addressed.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: senhoria

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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.