Legal Translation of Trial in French: procès, test or période d’essai? A False Friend to Avoid

⚠️ Classic False Friend: trial ≠ tri

The English word trial resembles the French tri, but it should never be translated that way.

In reality, it is a central term in common law legal systems, but it also appears in medical, scientific, or professional contexts.

👉 The correct French translation depends entirely on the field of use.

⚖️ In Litigation: trial = procès

In a legal context, trial means procès, audience, or jugement (often in civil or criminal matters).

Examples

• He was a key witness at the trial
  → Il a été un témoin essentiel lors du procès

• The trial will begin next month
  → Le procès commencera le mois prochain

• The right to a fair trial
  → Le droit à un procès équitable

👉 This is a fundamental concept in Anglo-Saxon law, especially in the US and UK.

💼 In Employment: trial period = période d’essai

In the workplace, trial often refers to a test phase or période d’essai, especially for a new hire.

Examples

• The employee is currently in a trial period
  → Le salarié est actuellement en période d’essai

• They hired her on a trial basis
  → Elle a été embauchée à l’essai

🧪 In Medicine, Science, or Marketing: trial = essai / test / épreuve

Here, trial means essai, test, or épreuve (usually scientific, technical, or commercial).

Examples

• Clinical trials for the vaccine will start in July
  → Les essais cliniques pour le vaccin débuteront en juillet

• Free 7-day trial
  → Essai gratuit de 7 jours

👉 Very common in medical, technological, or commercial contexts.

✅ In Summary

📌 TransLex Guidance

Before translating trial, ask yourself:

• Is the word used in a judicial, scientific, or professional context?

• Is it a unique event (procès) or a temporary test (essai, période d’essai)?

• Is there a recognized French equivalent (procès, test, période d’essai)?

👉 Trial may translate as procès, essai, test, or période d’essai—but never as tri.