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jeunesse

youth

noun zhuh-NESS Less Common

Usage Note

Jeunesse refers to the period of youth (dans ma jeunesse = 'in my youth') or to young people collectively (la jeunesse d'aujourd'hui = 'today's youth'). The proverb si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait ('if youth knew, if old age could') captures a classic tension. The adjective jeune and the noun un/une jeune are related forms.

Examples

"Il se souvient de sa jeunesse avec bonheur."

Natural Translation

He remembers his youth with happiness.

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