jade
/ʒad/masculine
The English word "jade" is translated into French as jade.
jade refers to the gemstone. When referring specifically to the mineralogical composition of the stone, the formal term La jadéite is used.
Meaning: gem (noun)
Which one should you use?
jade is the standard term for the gem, while La jadéite is a formal term used to refer to its mineralogical composition.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun jade is masculine. In a sentence, it is preceded by the masculine article, such as le jade.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒad/
Did you know?
- The French word jade evolved from the Spanish phrase piedra de ijada, meaning 'flank stone', because the gem was once believed to cure pains in the side of the body.
- In French art history, the term jade is often associated with 'chinoiserie', the 18th-century European obsession with imitating Chinese artistic styles and materials.
- Despite ending in 'e', which is a common marker for feminine nouns, jade is masculine and always takes the article le.
Examples in context
- Elle collectionne les pierres précieuses, et le jade est l'une de ses préférées.She collects gemstones, and jade is one of her favorites.
- Le jade impérial est considéré comme l'un des types les plus précieux de jade.Imperial jade is considered one of the most precious types of jade.
- Ce jade est d'un vert magnifique.This jade is a magnificent green.
- Le jade est une pierre très dure.Jade is a very hard stone.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are looking at jewelry in a boutique.
- HugoRegarde ce pendentif en jade.Look at this jade pendant.
- ManonIl est superbe, Hugo.It is superb, Hugo.
- HugoEst-ce que tu aimes sa couleur ?Do you like its color?
- ManonOui, elle est très élégante.Yes, it is very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jade” translations and entries jade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
