Learn How to Pronounce bijou

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bijou

Definition:

(nou) a small and delicately worked piece

Examples:

A bijou is a mixed alcoholic drink composed of gin, vermouth, and chartreuse.

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bijou

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: bijou

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Common mistakes of bijou pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable in "bijou" /ˈbiːʒuː/. The correct stress is on the first syllable. Tip: Practice saying "BEI-zhoo" to emphasize the initial syllable.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: People often pronounce the "i" in "bijou" as /ɪ/ instead of /iː/. This leads to a mispronunciation. Tip: Focus on the long "ee" sound in "bee" to ensure accuracy.
  3. Overemphasizing the "j": Some may pronounce "bijou" with a hard "j" sound, as in "jam." The correct pronunciation uses a soft "j" /ʒ/. Tip: Think of the "s" in "measure" to guide your "j" sound.
  4. Ignoring the final sound: Learners sometimes drop the final "ou" sound, making "bijou" sound incomplete. The last part is essential. Tip: Make sure to finish with "zhoo," ensuring the word sounds whole.
  5. Confusing the word with similar terms: "Bijou" can be confused with "bijoux," the plural form. Both have different pronunciations. Tip: Remember that "bijou" is singular and pronounced /ˈbiːʒuː/, while "bijoux" is pronounced /biˈʒuː/ with stress on the second syllable.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "bijou" correctly?

In American English, "bijou" is pronounced as /ˈbiːʒuː/, with the primary stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is also pronounced as /ˈbiːʒuː/, so the pronunciation is the same in both variants.

What is the meaning of the word "bijou"?

"Bijou" refers to something small, elegant, and often highly prized, like a piece of jewelry or a decorative item. It comes from French, where it means "jewel."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "bijou"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying it as /biˈʒuː/ instead of /ˈbiːʒuː/. Remember to emphasize the first syllable to pronounce it correctly.

Does "bijou" have any silent letters?

No, there are no silent letters in "bijou." Each letter contributes to the pronunciation, making it straightforward to say.
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