French translation of jail is 
prison

Meaning of "jail" in English

The term "jail" refers to a facility where individuals are held while awaiting trial or serving a short sentence for minor offenses. Typically operated by local governments, jails are designed for shorter-term confinement compared to prisons. They hold individuals post-arrest, during legal processes, or after sentencing for misdemeanors. The term emphasizes temporary detention, security, and rehabilitation. It reflects the penal system's role in maintaining public safety and order by temporarily restricting individuals' freedom.

Meaning of "prison" in French

In French, "prison" denotes an establishment where individuals are confined for longer durations than those held in jails. Used for serious offenses, prisons are managed at the national level and aim to rehabilitate as well as punish. The term "prison" conjures images of strict confinement and correctional environments where sentences are served for crimes deemed severe. It also carries implications of institutionalized punishment and structured regimes aimed at reform and deterrence.

Pronunciation of "jail" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /dʒeɪl/

Pronunciation Variations: In British English, "jail" may sometimes be pronounced similarly to "gaol," reflecting an older spelling. However, the pronunciation /dʒeɪl/ remains consistent, with slight variations in accent affecting vowel emphasis in regions such as the Southern United States or Australia.

Pronunciation of "prison" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /pʁi.zɔ̃/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "prison" can vary slightly between regions in France, highlighting variations in the intonation of the nasal vowel sound. In Quebec, for instance, the vowel sound might be pronounced with a slightly different nasal quality, reflecting regional accent differences.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. He was sentenced to three years in jail. (Il a été condamné à trois ans de prison.)
2. The suspect spent the night in jail. (Le suspect a passé la nuit en prison.)
3. After his arrest, he was taken straight to jail. (Après son arrestation, il a été emmené directement en prison.)
4. She was released from jail on bail. (Elle a été libérée de prison sous caution.)
5. The overcrowding in the local jail is a serious issue. (La surpopulation dans la prison locale est un problème sérieux.)
6. He vowed never to return to jail. (Il a juré de ne jamais retourner en prison.)
7. The movie depicted life inside a jail. (Le film dépeignait la vie à l'intérieur d'une prison.)
8. Authorities are building a new jail to replace the old one. (Les autorités construisent une nouvelle prison pour remplacer l'ancienne.)
9. The thief was caught and put in jail. (Le voleur a été attrapé et mis en prison.)
10. Her brother is serving a short sentence in jail. (Son frère purge une courte peine de prison.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jail" in English

Synonyms: prison, detention center, lockup, holding cell, penal institution, correctional facility, brig, stockade, custody, slammer.

Antonyms: freedom, liberty, release, emancipation, discharge.

Similar Words: penitentiary, guardhouse, cage, internment, enclosure.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "prison" in French

Synonyms: pénitencier, centre de détention, maison d'arrêt, geôle, cachot, prison centrale, réclusion, incarcération.

Antonyms: liberté, libération, délivrance, affranchissement, évasion.

Similar Words: centre pénitentiaire, enfermement, détention, captivité, claustration.

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