joujou

toy (child's word)

noun zhoo-ZHOO Rare

Usage Note

Joujou is the baby-talk or child's word for jouet ('toy'). Adults use it humorously or affectionately — faire joujou ('to play around') is an informal phrase meaning to mess about with something. The plural is joujoux, following the -ou to -oux pattern shared by bijou, chou, genou, hibou, caillou, and pou.

Examples

"Le bébé joue avec ses joujoux."

Natural Translation

The baby plays with its toys.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Telling Time in French: Hours, Quarters, 24-Hour

Telling time in French means Il est cinq heures, et quart, et demie, and the 24-hour clock like quatorze heures trente. Read any French schedule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read