juif
/ʒɥif/
The English word "jewish" is translated into French as juif.
The word is an adjective used to describe things relating to a Jew or Jews, including their ethnicity, religion or culture.
Meaning: of or relating to a Jew or Jews, their ethnicity, religion or culture (adj)
Which one should you use?
In French, when you use this word as an adjective, it is not capitalized. However, if you use the word as a noun to refer to a person (such as un Juif or une Juive), it should be capitalized.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: the masculine singular is juif, the feminine singular is juive, the masculine plural is juifs and the feminine plural is juives.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒɥif/
Did you know?
- The modern masculine form juif is actually a backformation, meaning it was derived from the feminine form juive during the transition from Old French to Middle French.
- In 19th century French literature, the term israélite was frequently used instead of juif to highlight a person's status as a citizen rather than their religious identity.
- In formal or official French contexts, people often use the phrase de confession juive instead of simply juif to specifically denote a person's religious faith.
Examples in context
- Dieu n'est pas juif.God isn't Jewish.This sentence shows how to use juif in a statement about God.Tatoeba #14005997 by Rovo, translation #14004349 by rul
- Il vit dans un quartier juif.He lives in a Jewish neighborhood.This sentence uses juif to describe a neighborhood.Tatoeba #12104680 by Amastan, translation #8247303 by Amastan
- Roch Hachana est le Nouvel An juif.Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year.This sentence uses juif to describe a holiday.Tatoeba #12057175 by Rovo, translation #12057151 by shekitten
- Mon voisin est juif.My neighbor is Jewish.
- Elle est une Israélite pratiquante.She is a practicing Jewish woman.
- J'ai rencontré un nouveau collègue juif aujourd'hui.I met a new Jewish colleague today.
- Mon ami d'enfance est juif et nous célébrons les fêtes ensemble.My childhood friend is Jewish, and we celebrate holidays together.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are talking about a new book they are reading.
- NathanEst-ce que ce livre parle du peuple juif ?Does this book talk about the Jewish people?
- EmmaOui, c'est un roman sur l'histoire juive.Yes, it is a novel about Jewish history.
- NathanL'auteur est juif aussi ?Is the author Jewish too?
- EmmaJe ne sais pas, je vais vérifier.I don't know, I will check.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jewish” translations and entries juif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries juif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
