bordeaux
/bɔʁ.do/
The French phrase for wine red is bordeaux.
While bordeaux specifically refers to the color of the wine from the Bordeaux region, it is the standard way to express the color wine red in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bordeaux is used as an adjective to describe a color and does not change its form for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced /bɔʁ.do/. The word has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- French wine labels often use the term robe to describe the color and appearance of the wine, treating the color of the liquid as if it were a dress.
- Unlike English, where 'burgundy' is a common color name, French speakers rarely use the word bourgogne to describe a color, preferring bordeaux instead.
- While bordeaux describes a specific deep red, French has another term, lie-de-vin, which translates to 'wine lees'. This refers to the dark, sediment-like remains at the bottom of a wine barrel and describes a much darker, brownish-red shade.
Examples in context
- Sophie portait une robe d'un rouge bordeaux éclatant qui faisait ressortir son teint.Sophie was wearing a stunning dress in a vibrant wine red that accentuated her complexion.
- Elle porte une robe bordeaux.She is wearing a wine red dress.
- J'ai acheté un sac bordeaux.I bought a wine red bag.
- Le rideau est d'un beau bordeaux.The curtain is a beautiful wine red.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a new rug in a shop.
- LéaTu aimes ce tapis bordeaux ?Do you like this wine red rug?
- HugoOui, la couleur est très élégante.Yes, the color is very elegant.
- LéaIl irait bien dans ton salon.It would go well in your living room.
- HugoC'est vrai, il est magnifique.That's true, it is magnificent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bordeaux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
