bijou
/bi.ʒu/
In French, bijou means a piece of jewelry, such as a ring or a necklace.
If you are describing a small, decorative piece of jewelry in an informal way, you might also use the term Un colifichet, which is similar to the English word 'bauble'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bijou is bijoux.
How do you pronounce it?
/bi.ʒu/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The word bijou originates from the Breton word bizoù, which specifically meant 'ring' and comes from the word for 'finger'.
- While bijou usually refers to jewelry, the term bijou is frequently used in French real estate to describe a small but perfectly maintained and charming house.
- In French, if someone is described as un bijou, it is a high compliment meaning they are an exceptionally precious, rare or delightful person.
Examples in context
- Je porte un bijou très élégant ce soir.I am wearing a very elegant piece of jewelry tonight.
- Elle collectionne des bijoux antiques.She collects antique pieces of jewelry.
- Ce bijou est magnifique.This piece of jewelry is magnificent.
- Elle a acheté un bijou en or.She bought a gold piece of jewelry.
- Je cherche un bijou pour mon anniversaire.I am looking for a piece of jewelry for my birthday.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at a display in a shop.
- LucasRegarde ce bijou, Manon !Look at this piece of jewelry, Manon!
- ManonIl est vraiment très élégant.It is truly very elegant.
- LucasEst-ce que ce bijou te plaît ?Do you like this piece of jewelry?
- ManonOui, il est superbe.Yes, it is superb.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bijou, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bijou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
