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joue

cheek

noun ZHOO Less Common

Usage Note

Joue is the word for the cheek on a face. The greeting faire la bise involves touching cheeks, and people sometimes say joue contre joue ('cheek to cheek') for close dancing or embracing. Jouer (to play) is a completely different verb despite the similar spelling — a common source of confusion for beginners.

Examples

"Elle avait les joues rouges de froid."

Natural Translation

Her cheeks were red from the cold.

Literal Translation

She had the cheeks red from cold

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