French word

jeu

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒø/

Meaning

  • masculine nounplay

Example

Les enfants aiment le jeu.

Children like playing.

Illustration for jeu (play)

More examples

Ce jeu est très populaire.

This game is very popular.

Core concept

A playful activity shaped by actions, objects, rules, or a particular way of playing.

Common phrases

  • jeu vidéo

    video game

  • jeu de société

    board game

  • jeu en ligne

    online game

Similar words

passe-temps: A simple pastime for filling free time.
loisir: A hobby or activity enjoyed outside working hours.
amusement: A source or state of fun and pleasure.
jouet: An object used for playing, especially by children.

Definition in French

Action effectuée pour se divertir ; le mot sert aussi à nommer l'objet, les règles ou la forme de divertissement.

Word origin

French jeu developed through Old French jeu from Latin jocus, meaning joke or amusement, whose sense broadened to play and game.

Usage tips

  • For an activity or game, French uses jouer à, while jouer de is used for a musical instrument.

Other meanings

  • gamenoun
  • entertainmentnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word