azur
/a.zyʁ/feminine, masculine
The English phrase 'azure' can be translated into French as azur. Wiktionary also lists bleu ciel.
Meaning: sky-blue coloured (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| azur | /a.zyʁ/ | feminine, masculine |
| bleu ciel | /blø sjɛl/ |
The term describes a sky-blue color. You can also use the phrase comme le ciel sans nuages to describe this specific shade, meaning 'like a cloudless sky'. Additionally, when used as a noun, azur can refer to the color of the sky or the blue color found on a coat of arms.
Which one should you use?
While bleu ciel is the common way to say sky-blue, azur is more poetic or literary. In poetic contexts, l'azur is often used as a metonym for the sky itself.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun, azur is masculine. The adjective forms can be masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.zyʁ/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The word bleu has a surprising history as a religious euphemism. In certain historical contexts, it was used as a way to avoid saying the word Dieu, meaning 'God'.
- The word azur actually traces its roots back to a precious gemstone, the lapis lazuli. It comes via Arabic and Persian, reflecting the historical importance of this deep blue stone in trade.
Examples in context
- Ses yeux sont d'un bleu azur éclatantHer eyes are a dazzling shade of azure.
- Le drapeau flotte sous le ciel azurThe flag flutters under the azure sky.
- Les volets peints en bleu azur donnent du charme à la maisonThe shutters painted in azure blue add charm to the house.
- Le ciel est d'un bel azur.The sky is a beautiful azure.
- Elle porte une robe de couleur azur.She is wearing an azure-colored dress.
- L'océan présente un reflet azur aujourd'hui.The ocean shows an azure reflection today.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are admiring the weather on vacation.
- LucasLe temps est magnifique aujourd'hui.The weather is magnificent today.
- EmmaOui, j'adore ce bleu azur.Yes, I love this azure blue.
- LucasC'est parfait pour aller à la plage.It's perfect for going to the beach.
- EmmaAllons-y maintenant, Lucas !Let's go now, Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “azure” translations and entries azur, bleu ciel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azur, bleu, ciel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
