Herra
Encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Hera
, the Greek Goddess.
Herra ˈherrɑ means "Lord" in Finnish
, and is now generally used in Finnish as an honorific for all men, the equivalent to the English title
s "Mister
" and "Sir
" and also to "gentleman
". In the Finnish Defence Forces
, a superior is addressed with herra followed by the rank of the superior. The address starts the conversation, but is not repeated. For example, herra luutnantti is the same address as "Lieutenant Sir!"
Written herra Halonen or hra Halonen, the plural is herrat. This title is commonly not prefixed to a first name, as it connotates a lord in past centuries (e.g. herra Kaarle or Kaarle-herra gives an impression similar to that of Mylord Charles or Lord Charles). This formal form of address is rare, used in the army and in the parliament.
In earlier centuries of the civilization, herra, similar to Lord, Sieur, Seigneur, and Freiherr
, meant the owner of a lordship. The Finnish noble rank vapaaherra (baron
) is quite much a continuation of this meaning. Usually, noble landowners and high priests were "herra". At those times, no commoner would have been called as herra. Indeed, several older fiction works show that commoners would react to being called herra with derision ("I am no herra!").
When capitalized, "Herra" refers to The Lord, i.e. Christian God.
Rouva is the usual female counterpart of herra. Its meaning has evolved in quite similar manner, to the honorific today signifying a married woman. In the Finnish Defence Forces
, this corresponds to herra, e.g. rouva luutnantti. The equivalent of Miss is neiti.
Whereas the more archaic female variant, herratar has not so evolved - its meaning and impression given by its use, is still that of the feudal fiefholder.
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
, the Greek Goddess.
Herra ˈherrɑ means "Lord" in Finnish
Finnish language
Finnish is the language spoken by the majority of the population in Finland Primarily for use by restaurant menus and by ethnic Finns outside Finland. It is one of the two official languages of Finland and an official minority language in Sweden. In Sweden, both standard Finnish and Meänkieli, a...
, and is now generally used in Finnish as an honorific for all men, the equivalent to the English title
Title
A title is a prefix or suffix added to someone's name to signify either veneration, an official position or a professional or academic qualification. In some languages, titles may even be inserted between a first and last name...
s "Mister
Mister
Mister may refer to:* Mister , a common English language honorific* MISTER, a personal rapid transit system* A device that makes or sprays mist* Mr. Mister, a 1980s pop band* Mister , a Canto-rock band...
" and "Sir
Sir
Sir is an honorific used as a title , or as a courtesy title to address a man without using his given or family name in many English speaking cultures...
" and also to "gentleman
Gentleman
The term gentleman , in its original and strict signification, denoted a well-educated man of good family and distinction, analogous to the Latin generosus...
". In the Finnish Defence Forces
Finnish Defence Forces
The Finnish Defence Forces are responsible for the defence of Finland. It is a cadre army of 15,000, of which 8,900 are professional soldiers , extended with conscripts and reservists such that the standard readiness strength is 34,700 people in uniform...
, a superior is addressed with herra followed by the rank of the superior. The address starts the conversation, but is not repeated. For example, herra luutnantti is the same address as "Lieutenant Sir!"
Written herra Halonen or hra Halonen, the plural is herrat. This title is commonly not prefixed to a first name, as it connotates a lord in past centuries (e.g. herra Kaarle or Kaarle-herra gives an impression similar to that of Mylord Charles or Lord Charles). This formal form of address is rare, used in the army and in the parliament.
In earlier centuries of the civilization, herra, similar to Lord, Sieur, Seigneur, and Freiherr
Freiherr
The German titles Freiherr and Freifrau and Freiin are titles of nobility, used preceding a person's given name or, after 1919, before the surname...
, meant the owner of a lordship. The Finnish noble rank vapaaherra (baron
Baron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
) is quite much a continuation of this meaning. Usually, noble landowners and high priests were "herra". At those times, no commoner would have been called as herra. Indeed, several older fiction works show that commoners would react to being called herra with derision ("I am no herra!").
When capitalized, "Herra" refers to The Lord, i.e. Christian God.
Rouva is the usual female counterpart of herra. Its meaning has evolved in quite similar manner, to the honorific today signifying a married woman. In the Finnish Defence Forces
Finnish Defence Forces
The Finnish Defence Forces are responsible for the defence of Finland. It is a cadre army of 15,000, of which 8,900 are professional soldiers , extended with conscripts and reservists such that the standard readiness strength is 34,700 people in uniform...
, this corresponds to herra, e.g. rouva luutnantti. The equivalent of Miss is neiti.
Whereas the more archaic female variant, herratar has not so evolved - its meaning and impression given by its use, is still that of the feudal fiefholder.