majeurs

Majeurs is the plural form of the French noun and adjective majeur. As a noun, it refers to an adult person who has reached the age of majority, thereby holding full civil rights and responsibilities, in contrast with mineurs (minors). As an adjective, majeur means “major” or “principal,” and it is used in various contexts such as law, music, and everyday language.

In legal terms, the age of majority marks the point at which a person generally gains full legal capacity to act in civil matters, including entering contracts, voting, and making independent decisions. The precise age and rules vary by country and jurisdiction. In many places the age of majority is 18, while other jurisdictions set different ages or apply separate ages for specific rights (for example driving, drinking, or marrying). Emancipation or guardianship can grant full capacity to individuals who are under the general age of majority in certain situations.

In France, the standard age of majority is 18. Beyond this threshold, individuals typically acquire the rights and duties of adulthood, though certain protective or regulated activities may still involve safeguards for vulnerable adults.

In addition to its legal sense, majeur functions as the French term for “major” in music, used to describe major scales, keys, and chords (as opposed to mineur, “minor”).

See also: emancipation, capacité juridique, majorité, mineur.