pierre précieuse
/pjɛʁ pʁe.sjøz/feminine
The English word gem can be translated into French as pierre précieuse. Wiktionary also lists joyau.
Meaning: precious stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pierre précieuse | /pjɛʁ pʁe.sjøz/ | feminine |
| joyau | /ʒwa.jo/ | masculine |
The term pierre précieuse is used to refer to a precious stone. In the context of the jewelry industry, the concept of gems and jewelry is often encompassed by the word joaillerie.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pierre précieuse is literally composed of pierre (stone) and précieuse (precious).
Which one should you use?
While pierre précieuse refers to the physical stone, joyau is often used in a more literary or poetic sense to describe a precious object or a jewel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of pierre précieuse is pierres précieuses, where both the noun and the adjective take an s.
How do you pronounce it?
/pjɛʁ pʁe.sjøz/
Did you know?
- While pierre précieuse refers to a gemstone, if you are talking about a 'gem' in terms of a highly valued person or thing, French speakers often use the word perle instead.
- The word pierre shares a common ancestor with the English word 'petrified', both stemming from the Latin 'petra'.
- In French, the adjective précieux (precious) can also be used to describe someone who is 'too precious' in a negative, fussy, or overly delicate way.
Examples in context
- Enfin, la pierre précieuse était dans ses mains.At last, the gem was in his hands.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use pierre précieuse in a sentence.Tatoeba #12642 by mouche, translation #39877 by CK
- Le musée expose des pierres précieuses raresThe museum displays rare gemstones.
- Cet artiste a créé une véritable pépiteThis artist has created a real gem.
- J'ai acheté une belle pierre fine lors de mon voyage à QuébecI bought a beautiful fine gem during my trip to Quebec.
- Cette pierre précieuse brille beaucoup.This precious stone shines a lot.
- Il a trouvé une pierre précieuse dans le sol.He found a precious stone in the ground.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are at a museum looking at an exhibit.
- LéaRegarde cette pierre précieuse, Gabriel.Look at this precious stone, Gabriel.
- GabrielElle est vraiment magnifique.It is truly magnificent.
- LéaEst-ce une pierre précieuse très rare ?Is it a very rare precious stone?
- GabrielOui, c'est une pièce unique.Yes, it is a unique piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gem” translations and entries pierre précieuse, joyau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries joyau, pierre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
