Herra

Herra [herrɑ] means "Lord" in Finnish, and is now generally used in Finnish as an honorific for all men, the equivalent to the English titles "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", quite similarly to e.g Lord, Sieur, Seigneur, Freiherr, meant the owner of a lordship. The Finnish noble rank "vapaaherra" (baron) is quite much a continuation of this meaning. At those times, no commoner would have been called as herra. Usually, noble landowners and high priests were "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".

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.