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jean

jeans

noun DJEEN Rare

Origin: From English 'jeans', itself from Gênes (Genoa), where the denim fabric originated.

Usage Note

Jean is used as a singular noun in French even though it refers to a pair of trousers; speakers say un jean for one pair and des jeans for several. The word is sometimes spelled jeans in French but pronounced the same way. Unlike English, you would not say 'a pair of jeans' — simply un jean.

Examples

"Elle porte un jean bleu."

Natural Translation

She is wearing blue jeans.

Literal Translation

She is wearing a blue jean.

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