jean
/ʒɑ̃/
The English phrase "blue jeans" is translated into French as jean.
The word jean is used to refer to denim trousers.
Meaning: denim trousers (noun)
Which one should you use?
In French, un jean refers to a single pair of jeans, whereas the plural des jeans is used when referring to multiple pairs or the category in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word to describe the color, the color name must be placed after the noun, such as in jeans bleus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒɑ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly place the adjective before the noun. In French, the color bleu must follow the noun jean.
Did you know?
- Although jean is the standard term, the word bleu de travail refers to the traditional blue cotton overalls worn by French laborers.
- If you describe a pair of jeans as délavé, you are saying they are 'stone-washed' or faded, a very common descriptor in French fashion.
- In French fashion terminology, 'jean' refers specifically to the fabric or the garment, whereas the term denim is often used in a more technical or high-fashion context.
Examples in context
- Dan a été vu pour la dernière fois avec un jean bleu et une veste en cuir noir.Dan was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black leather jacket.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a person's outfit using jean.Tatoeba #4009339 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4009306 by Amastan
- Mon vieux, ce qu'elle avait l'air ridicule en se pointant à cette soirée habillée en jeans !Boy, did she have egg on her face when she showed up at the formal party wearing blue jeans!This sentence shows the use of the plural jeans in a sentence.Tatoeba #1086793 by sacredceltic, translation #24902 by papabear
- J'adore tes jeans bleus, ils te vont très bien!I love your blue jeans, they look great on you!
- Je vais acheter un nouveau jean bleu.I am going to buy a new pair of blue jeans.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are shopping for clothes in a mall.
- HugoTu aimes ce jean bleu ?Do you like these blue jeans?
- ChloéOui, il te va très bien.Yes, they suit you very well.
- HugoC'est vrai ? Je le prends alors.Really? I'll take them then.
- ChloéParfait, c'est un bon choix.Perfect, it's a good choice.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Jean.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
