CLAT Foreign Language Phrases Questions 50 MCQs with Answers

CLAT 2027 Legal Aptitude Crash Course – Chapter 8

CLAT Aspirants | B.Tech Students | Non-Law Background Students

CLAT Legal Reasoning और Legal Aptitude की तैयारी में केवल legal concepts समझना ही पर्याप्त नहीं है। कई questions में ऐसे Latin और French phrases दिए जा सकते हैं जिनका meaning समझना जरूरी होता है।

इस chapter में आपको 50 exam-oriented Foreign Language Phrases Questions दिए गए हैं। हर question के साथ answer, आसान Hindi explanation और exam tip दिया गया है, ताकि आप केवल phrase का translation याद न करें बल्कि उसे legal context में भी समझ सकें।

CLAT Strategy: Foreign-language phrase को केवल रटने के बजाय Phrase + Meaning + Context + Related/Opposite Phrase के साथ याद करें।

इस Chapter में क्या पढ़ेंगे?

• Important Latin Legal Phrases
• Important French Expressions
• Legal Terminology
• Commonly Confused Pairs
• CLAT Vocabulary Traps
• Meaning in Context
• 50 Practice MCQs
• Quick Revision Table
• Memory Pairs
• 30-Second Revision Formula

PART 1 — CLAT FOREIGN LANGUAGE PHRASES: 50 MCQs

Q1. The Latin phrase “bona fide” means:

A. In bad faith
B. In good faith
C. By force
D. By law

ANSWER: B. In good faith

Explanation:

Bona fide का अर्थ है in good faith, यानी ईमानदारी से या genuine तरीके से।

Example:
The buyer was acting bona fide.

Exam Tip:

Bona = Good → Bona fide = Good faith

Q2. “Mala fide” means:

A. In good faith
B. In private
C. In bad faith
D. By itself

ANSWER: C. In bad faith

Explanation:

Mala fide का अर्थ है in bad faith, यानी गलत या बेईमान intention से।

याद रखें:

Bona fide = Good faith
Mala fide = Bad faith

Q3. The phrase “caveat emptor” means:

A. Seller beware
B. Buyer beware
C. Court beware
D. Law beware

ANSWER: B. Buyer beware

Explanation:

Caveat emptor एक Latin legal phrase है जिसका अर्थ है “let the buyer beware”।

इसका basic idea है कि buyer को purchase करते समय सावधान रहना चाहिए।

Caveat = Beware / Warning
Emptor = Buyer

Q4. “Caveat venditor” means:

A. Buyer beware
B. Seller beware
C. Buyer agrees
D. Seller agrees

ANSWER: B. Seller beware

Explanation:

Caveat venditor = Seller beware

यह caveat emptor का opposite concept है।

Emptor → Buyer
Venditor → Seller

Q5. A rule existing “de facto” exists:

A. By law
B. In fact
C. Temporarily
D. By agreement

ANSWER: B. In fact

Explanation:

De facto = In fact / In reality

जब कोई स्थिति practically मौजूद हो, तो उसे de facto कहा जा सकता है, भले ही वह formally legally established न हो।

Memory Pair:

De facto = In fact
De jure = By law

Q6. “De jure” means:

A. In fact
B. By law
C. By mistake
D. In private

ANSWER: B. By law

Explanation:

De jure = By law / Legally

Memory Trick:

De facto → Fact
De jure → Law

Q7. If a case is heard “ex parte”, it generally means:

A. Both parties are present
B. Without participation of the other party
C. Before a jury
D. After final judgment

ANSWER: B. Without participation of the other party

Explanation:

Ex parte ऐसी proceeding/action को refer करता है जिसमें दूसरी party की participation या presence नहीं होती।

Exam Tip:

Ex parte = One-sided proceeding

Q8. “Ex post facto” refers to something:

A. Before an event
B. After the fact
C. Without evidence
D. Under the law

ANSWER: B. After the fact

Explanation:

Ex post facto = After the fact

यह phrase विशेष रूप से किसी घटना के बाद किए गए law/action के context में दिखाई दे सकता है।

Q9. The writ “habeas corpus” is associated with:

A. Production of a detained person before the court
B. Appointment of a judge
C. Transfer of property
D. Payment of compensation

ANSWER: A. Production of a detained person before the court

Explanation:

Habeas corpus का literal sense है “produce the body.”

Legal context में इसका संबंध detained person को court के सामने लाकर detention की legality की जांच से है।

CLAT Tip:

Habeas Corpus → Detention → Court

Q10. “Ipso facto” means:

A. By that very fact
B. By another person
C. In private
D. After judgment

ANSWER: A. By that very fact

Explanation:

Ipso facto = By that fact itself / By the very fact

यह बताता है कि कोई result किसी particular fact के कारण directly follow कर सकता है।

Q11. “Locus standi” refers to:

A. Place of trial
B. Legal standing or right to appear before a court
C. Final judgment
D. Evidence in a case

ANSWER: B. Legal standing or right to appear before a court

Explanation:

Locus standi का अर्थ है court के सामने किसी व्यक्ति का legal standing/right to bring or participate in a case।

Memory:

Locus = Place
Standi = Standing

Q12. A court may find a claim “prima facie” valid when it appears valid:

A. After complete trial
B. At first sight/on the face of it
C. Only after appeal
D. Without any evidence

ANSWER: B. At first sight/on the face of it

Explanation:

Prima facie = At first sight / On the face of it

इसका अर्थ यह नहीं है कि claim final trial के बाद proved हो गया है। इसका मतलब है कि available material को देखकर पहली नजर में claim valid दिखाई देता है।

CLAT Trap:

Prima facie ≠ Final proof

Q13. “Status quo” means:

A. Previous condition
B. Existing state of affairs
C. Future condition
D. Illegal condition

ANSWER: B. Existing state of affairs

Explanation:

Status quo = Existing state of affairs, यानी वर्तमान स्थिति।

Example:
The court ordered the parties to maintain the status quo.

Q14. “Status quo ante” means:

A. Present condition
B. Future condition
C. Previous state of affairs
D. Legal authority

ANSWER: C. Previous state of affairs

Explanation:

Status quo = Current/existing position
Status quo ante = Previous position

यह एक important CLAT memory pair है।

Q15. A matter that is “sub judice” is:

A. Already decided
B. Under judicial consideration
C. Outside court jurisdiction
D. Privately settled

ANSWER: B. Under judicial consideration

Explanation:

Sub judice का अर्थ है कि कोई matter अभी court के consideration में है।

Exam Tip:

Sub judice = Matter pending before the court

Q16. If an authority acts ultra vires, it acts:

A. Within its legal powers
B. Beyond its legal powers
C. With public consent
D. Under emergency powers

ANSWER: B. Beyond its legal powers

Explanation:

Ultra vires = Beyond the powers

Ultra = Beyond
Vires = Powers

Opposite:

Intra vires = Within legal powers

Q17. “Intra vires” means:

A. Beyond powers
B. Within powers
C. Without authority
D. Against evidence

ANSWER: B. Within powers

Explanation:

Intra vires = Within the legal powers/authority

Memory Pair:

Ultra vires ↔ Intra vires

Q18. When a court takes action “suo motu”, it acts:

A. On its own motion
B. At the request of another court
C. After an appeal
D. Without jurisdiction

ANSWER: A. On its own motion

Explanation:

Suo motu = On its own motion

अर्थात court/authority किसी external application के बिना स्वयं action initiate करती है।

Q19. An “amicus curiae” is:

A. A court officer
B. A friend of the court who assists it
C. The accused person
D. A witness

ANSWER: B. A friend of the court who assists it

Explanation:

Amicus curiae का literal meaning है friend of the court।

ऐसा व्यक्ति या organization court को relevant legal information या perspective देने में सहायता कर सकता है।

Q20. “In camera” proceedings are conducted:

A. In public
B. In private
C. Online only
D. Outside the country

ANSWER: B. In private

Explanation:

In camera = In private / Confidentially

जब proceeding public setting के बजाय private/closed setting में conducted हो, तो उसे in camera proceeding कहा जा सकता है।

Q21. “Res judicata” means:

A. Matter to be decided
B. Matter already judged
C. Matter under investigation
D. Matter without evidence

ANSWER: B. Matter already judged

Explanation:

Res judicata का basic meaning है matter already adjudicated/judged।

Legal principle के रूप में यह broadly उसी matter को बार-बार litigate करने से रोकने से जुड़ा है।

Q22. “Res ipsa loquitur” means:

A. The law is supreme
B. The thing speaks for itself
C. The court must decide
D. The evidence is insufficient

ANSWER: B. The thing speaks for itself

Explanation:

Res ipsa loquitur = The thing speaks for itself

यह legal doctrine है जिसमें circumstances स्वयं negligence जैसी बात का strong indication दे सकते हैं।

Q23. “Mens rea” refers to:

A. Guilty act
B. Guilty mind
C. Legal remedy
D. Physical evidence

ANSWER: B. Guilty mind

Explanation:

Mens rea = Guilty mind / Criminal intention

Memory Pair:

Mens rea → Guilty mind
Actus reus → Guilty act

Q24. “Actus reus” means:

A. Guilty mind
B. Guilty act
C. Legal intention
D. Judicial reasoning

ANSWER: B. Guilty act

Explanation:

Actus reus = Guilty/wrongful act

Criminal law में इसे अक्सर mens rea के साथ pair में पढ़ा जाता है।

Q25. “Ratio decidendi” refers to:

A. A judge’s personal opinion
B. The legal reason/principle underlying a decision
C. Evidence produced by a witness
D. The final punishment

ANSWER: B. The legal reason/principle underlying a decision

Explanation:

Ratio decidendi वह legal principle/reason है जिस पर judicial decision आधारित होता है।

CLAT Tip:

Underlying legal principle = Ratio decidendi

Q26. “Obiter dicta” means:

A. Binding legal rule
B. Remarks made in passing
C. Final order
D. Written evidence

ANSWER: B. Remarks made in passing

Explanation:

Obiter dicta judge द्वारा judgment में की गई incidental या side observations को refer करता है।

याद रखें:

Ratio decidendi → Underlying legal principle
Obiter dicta → Incidental observations

Q27. “Quantum meruit” means:

A. As much as is deserved
B. Beyond legal power
C. Without evidence
D. By the court itself

ANSWER: A. As much as is deserved

Explanation:

Quantum meruit = As much as deserved

यह generally work done के लिए reasonable payment/compensation के context में इस्तेमाल हो सकता है।

Q28. “Per capita” means:

A. Per year
B. Per person
C. In proportion
D. By law

ANSWER: B. Per person

Explanation:

Per capita = Per person

Example:
Per capita income = income calculated per person.

Q29. “Per annum” means:

A. Per person
B. Per year
C. Per month
D. Per case

ANSWER: B. Per year

Explanation:

Per annum = Per year / Annually

Memory:

Annum = Year

Q30. “Pro rata” means:

A. In proportion
B. In private
C. By law
D. At first sight

ANSWER: A. In proportion

Explanation:

Pro rata = In proportion

जब किसी amount या benefit को proportion के अनुसार distribute किया जाए, तो उसे pro rata कहा जा सकता है।

Q31. “Vice versa” means:

A. In the same way
B. In reverse order or with the relation reversed
C. In private
D. Without evidence

ANSWER: B. In reverse order or with the relation reversed

Explanation:

Vice versa का अर्थ है कि relation का reverse भी true है।

Example:
A helps B, and vice versa.
अर्थात B भी A की मदद करता है।

Q32. “Per se” means:

A. By itself/in itself
B. By law
C. In public
D. In proportion

ANSWER: A. By itself/in itself

Explanation:

Per se = By itself / In itself / Intrinsically

Example:
The act is not illegal per se.

Q33. A committee formed “ad hoc” is created:

A. For a particular purpose
B. Permanently
C. By constitutional requirement only
D. After final judgment

ANSWER: A. For a particular purpose

Explanation:

Ad hoc = For a particular/specific purpose

यह अक्सर temporary या purpose-specific arrangement के लिए इस्तेमाल होता है।

Q34. “Ad interim” means:

A. Permanently
B. In the meantime/interim
C. After judgment
D. Without authority

ANSWER: B. In the meantime/interim

Explanation:

Ad interim = Temporary / Interim

जब final decision आने तक temporary arrangement हो, तब यह phrase इस्तेमाल हो सकता है।

Q35. “De novo” means:

A. Again or anew
B. By law
C. In proportion
D. In bad faith

ANSWER: A. Again or anew

Explanation:

De novo = Anew / Afresh

यदि कोई matter de novo consider किया जाता है, तो उसे नए सिरे से consider किया जाता है।

Q36. “Inter alia” means:

A. Among other things
B. Above the law
C. Without delay
D. Against the law

ANSWER: A. Among other things

Explanation:

Inter alia = Among other things

Formal और legal writing में यह phrase काफी common है।

Q37. “Mutatis mutandis” means:

A. Without any change
B. With necessary changes
C. By force
D. At first sight

ANSWER: B. With necessary changes

Explanation:

Mutatis mutandis = With the necessary changes having been made

Exam Tip:

इसे simple language में “with necessary modifications” के रूप में याद करें।

Q38. “Non sequitur” refers to:

A. A logical conclusion
B. An illogical conclusion
C. A legal remedy
D. A court order

ANSWER: B. An illogical conclusion

Explanation:

Non sequitur ऐसे conclusion को refer करता है जो previous statement से logically follow नहीं करता।

Example:
“He is rich, therefore he must be honest.”

यह conclusion necessarily logically follow नहीं करता।

Q39. “Modus operandi” means:

A. Method of operation
B. Legal standing
C. Previous condition
D. Judicial review

ANSWER: A. Method of operation

Explanation:

Modus operandi (M.O.) = Method or manner of operating

Crime-related contexts में किसी offender के usual method of committing an offence के लिए भी इसका उपयोग हो सकता है।

Q40. “In lieu of” means:

A. In addition to
B. Instead of
C. Because of
D. In front of

ANSWER: B. Instead of

Explanation:

In lieu of = Instead of / In place of

Example:
The employee received leave in lieu of overtime payment.

Q41. “Force majeure” refers to:

A. An ordinary business decision
B. An extraordinary event beyond reasonable control
C. A court judgment
D. A legal argument

ANSWER: B. An extraordinary event beyond reasonable control

Explanation:

Force majeure contractual/legal context में ऐसी extraordinary circumstances को refer करता है जो parties के reasonable control से बाहर हों और contractual performance को प्रभावित कर सकती हों।

Q42. “Faux pas” means:

A. A legal error
B. A social mistake or embarrassing error
C. A financial loss
D. A judicial order

ANSWER: B. A social mistake or embarrassing error

Explanation:

Faux pas French expression है जिसका अर्थ है social mistake या embarrassing breach of etiquette।

Q43. “Fait accompli” means:

A. An unfinished task
B. An accomplished fact
C. A legal warning
D. A false statement

ANSWER: B. An accomplished fact

Explanation:

Fait accompli ऐसी completed situation को refer करता है जिसे अब बदलना कठिन हो सकता है।

Memory:

Fait accompli → Already done

Q44. “Carte blanche” means:

A. Complete freedom or authority to act
B. Written warning
C. Legal punishment
D. Secret agreement

ANSWER: A. Complete freedom or authority to act

Explanation:

Carte blanche = Complete freedom/discretion to act

Example:
The manager was given carte blanche to reorganize the department.

Q45. “Vis-à-vis” means:

A. In relation to
B. Without evidence
C. After judgment
D. By force

ANSWER: A. In relation to

Explanation:

Vis-à-vis = In relation to / With regard to

Example:
India’s position vis-à-vis the new policy changed.

Q46. “Raison d’être” means:

A. Reason for existence
B. Reason for punishment
C. Method of operation
D. Existing legal position

ANSWER: A. Reason for existence

Explanation:

Raison d’être = Reason or purpose for existence

Memory:

Raison = Reason
d’être = Of being

Q47. If someone is “en route”, they are:

A. At home
B. On the way
C. Under arrest
D. In court

ANSWER: B. On the way

Explanation:

En route = On the way / While travelling toward a destination

Example:
We are en route to Delhi.

Q48. “Rendezvous” means:

A. A planned meeting
B. A legal punishment
C. A financial agreement
D. A warning

ANSWER: A. A planned meeting

Explanation:

Rendezvous = An arranged/planned meeting, especially at a particular place or time.

Q49. “Déjà vu” refers to:

A. A fear of the future
B. A feeling that one has experienced something before
C. A legal principle
D. A sudden decision

ANSWER: B. A feeling that one has experienced something before

Explanation:

Déjà vu French expression है। इसका अर्थ है ऐसा feeling कि current situation पहले भी experience की जा चुकी है।

Q50. A person declared “persona non grata” is:

A. A respected person
B. An unwelcome person
C. A legal expert
D. A court witness

ANSWER: B. An unwelcome person

Explanation:

Persona non grata = An unwelcome or unacceptable person

Diplomatic context में इसका विशेष उपयोग होता है।

Memory:

Persona = Person
Non grata = Not welcome

PART 2 — CLAT FOREIGN LANGUAGE PHRASES QUICK REVISION

Phrase	Meaning
Bona fide	In good faith
Mala fide	In bad faith
Caveat emptor	Buyer beware
Caveat venditor	Seller beware
De facto	In fact
De jure	By law
Ex parte	Without the other party
Ex post facto	After the fact
Habeas corpus	Produce the body
Ipso facto	By that very fact
Locus standi	Legal standing
Prima facie	At first sight
Status quo	Existing state
Status quo ante	Previous state
Sub judice	Under judicial consideration
Ultra vires	Beyond powers
Intra vires	Within powers
Suo motu	On its own motion
Amicus curiae	Friend of the court
In camera	In private
Res judicata	Matter already judged
Res ipsa loquitur	Thing speaks for itself
Mens rea	Guilty mind
Actus reus	Guilty act
Ratio decidendi	Underlying legal principle
Obiter dicta	Remarks in passing
Quantum meruit	As much as deserved
Per capita	Per person
Per annum	Per year
Pro rata	In proportion
Vice versa	In reverse
Per se	By itself
Ad hoc	For a particular purpose
Ad interim	Interim
De novo	Anew
Inter alia	Among other things
Mutatis mutandis	With necessary changes
Non sequitur	Illogical conclusion
Modus operandi	Method of operation
In lieu of	Instead of
Force majeure	Extraordinary event beyond control
Faux pas	Social mistake
Fait accompli	Accomplished fact
Carte blanche	Complete freedom
Vis-à-vis	In relation to
Raison d’être	Reason for existence
En route	On the way
Rendezvous	Planned meeting
Déjà vu	Feeling of having experienced before
Persona non grata	Unwelcome person

PART 3 — CLAT MOST IMPORTANT MEMORY PAIRS

1. Bona fide ↔ Mala fide

Good faith ↔ Bad faith

2. De facto ↔ De jure

In fact ↔ By law

3. Ultra vires ↔ Intra vires

Beyond powers ↔ Within powers

4. Status quo ↔ Status quo ante

Present state ↔ Previous state

5. Mens rea ↔ Actus reus

Guilty mind ↔ Guilty act

6. Ratio decidendi ↔ Obiter dicta

Underlying legal principle ↔ Incidental remarks

7. Caveat emptor ↔ Caveat venditor

Buyer beware ↔ Seller beware

PART 4 — CLAT FOREIGN LANGUAGE PHRASES: COMMON TRAPS

Trap 1: Prima Facie

Prima facie का मतलब final proof नहीं है।

यह केवल first sight / on the face of it की idea देता है।

Trap 2: De Facto vs De Jure

De facto = In fact

De jure = By law

इन दोनों को कभी reverse न करें।

Trap 3: Ratio Decidendi vs Obiter Dicta

Ratio decidendi = Decision का underlying legal principle

Obiter dicta = Incidental observations

Trap 4: Mens Rea vs Actus Reus

Mens rea = Mental element

Actus reus = Physical/wrongful act

Trap 5: Status Quo vs Status Quo Ante

Status quo = Existing/current state

Status quo ante = Previous state

PART 5 — FOREIGN LANGUAGE PHRASES को कैसे याद करें?

सिर्फ translation याद करना सबसे effective तरीका नहीं है।

इस formula को follow करें:

PHRASE → MEANING → CONTEXT → MEMORY PAIR

उदाहरण:

Ultra vires

↓

Beyond powers

↓

Authority ने अपनी legal power से बाहर action लिया

↓

Ultra vires ↔ Intra vires

इस तरह phrase को context के साथ याद करने से exam में पहचानना आसान हो सकता है।

PART 6 — CLAT QUESTION SOLVING STRATEGY

जब question में कोई foreign-language phrase दिया जाए, तो ये 5 steps follow करें:

STEP 1 — Phrase पहचानें

पहले देखें कि phrase Latin है या French।

STEP 2 — Basic meaning याद करें

जैसे:

Bona fide → Good faith

STEP 3 — Context पढ़ें

Phrase sentence में किस अर्थ में इस्तेमाल हुआ है?

STEP 4 — Similar options eliminate करें

अगर options में opposite meanings दिए हैं, तो memory pair का उपयोग करें।

STEP 5 — Final answer चुनें

Translation के साथ context भी verify करें।

PART 7 — 30-SECOND REVISION FORMULA

Exam से पहले इन pairs को जरूर revise करें:

Bona fide = Good faith

Mala fide = Bad faith

De facto = In fact

De jure = By law

Ultra vires = Beyond powers

Intra vires = Within powers

Mens rea = Guilty mind

Actus reus = Guilty act

Prima facie = At first sight

Status quo = Existing state

Status quo ante = Previous state

Sub judice = Under judicial consideration

Suo motu = On its own motion

Amicus curiae = Friend of the court

Ratio decidendi = Underlying legal principle

Obiter dicta = Remarks in passing

Quantum meruit = As much as deserved

Pro rata = In proportion

De novo = Anew

Inter alia = Among other things

Mutatis mutandis = With necessary changes

In lieu of = Instead of

Modus operandi = Method of operation

Force majeure = Extraordinary event beyond reasonable control

Persona non grata = Unwelcome person

Final Takeaway

CLAT में Foreign Language Phrases को केवल vocabulary की तरह नहीं पढ़ना चाहिए। इन phrases को meaning + context + legal usage + confusing pairs के साथ revise करना ज्यादा useful है।

सबसे important formula:

PHRASE पहचानो → MEANING समझो → CONTEXT पढ़ो → RELATED PAIR याद करो → OPTION ELIMINATE करो

अगर आपको bona fide, mala fide, de facto, de jure, ultra vires, intra vires, mens rea, actus reus, ratio decidendi और obiter dicta जैसे high-yield phrases अच्छी तरह याद हैं, तो Foreign Language Phrases वाले questions को तेजी से solve करना आसान हो सकता है।

Chapter 8 Complete — Foreign Language Phrases

CLAT Legal Aptitude Crash Course | 50 Exam-Oriented Questions | Easy Hindi Explanation

Study Smart: Phrase को अकेले मत रटिए। Phrase + Meaning + Example + Memory Pair के साथ revise कीजिए।