denim
/də.nim/masculine
The French word for denim is denim.
The word denim refers to a textile with a diagonal pattern. In French, you may also encounter the word jean, which can function as both a noun and an adjective.
Meaning: textile with diagonal pattern (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /də.nim/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word jean does not come from the French name Jean, but from 'Gênes', the French name for Genoa, Italy, where a similar sturdy cotton fabric was produced.
- The word denim is actually a contraction of the phrase serge de Nîmes, which translates to 'serge from Nîmes'.
- French speakers use the term brut to describe 'raw denim', referring to fabric that has not been washed or distressed after dyeing.
Examples in context
- Je porte un jean bleuI am wearing blue denim
- J'adore ta jupe en denimI love your denim skirt
- J'ai acheté une veste jeanI bought a denim jacket
- Un pantalon en jeanDenim pants
- Une veste en jeanDenim jacket
- Une chemise en jeanDenim shirt
- Une robe en jeanDenim dress
- Des shorts en jeanDenim shorts
- Ce denim est très résistant.This denim is very resistant.
- Le denim est une matière confortable.Denim is a comfortable material.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are shopping for clothes.
- HugoTu aimes cette veste en denim ?Do you like this denim jacket?
- LéaOui, le denim a l'air de bonne qualité.Yes, the denim looks like good quality.
- HugoJe pense que je vais l'acheter.I think I'm going to buy it.
- LéaC'est un excellent choix, Hugo.It's an excellent choice, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “denim” translations and entries denim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries denim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
