jeu

Jeu is a French noun meaning game, play, or pastime. It denotes structured activities that have rules, objectives, and opportunities for competition or entertainment. The term also refers to gambling or wagering, where a prize or payment is involved. In English, jeu is usually translated as “game,” but the specific sense depends on context, ranging from board games to sports or playful activities.

Etymology and forms: Je u derives from Latin iocus, through Old French, reflecting a sense of playfulness. The plural form is jeux, used in phrases such as jeux de société (board games) and jeux vidéo (video games). Common expressions include faire le jeu (to play along or to be favorable in a situation) and mettre en jeu (to put at stake or to bring into play).

Usage: Je u appears in many compound terms, including jeu de cartes (card game), jeu d’échecs (chess), jeu de rôle (role‑playing game), and jeu vidéo (video game). The related verb is jouer (to play). The word also appears in idioms that describe participation, competition, or strategy.

In culture and theory: In academic and cultural contexts, the word laisse a broader sense of play and form, used in expressions such as théorie des jeux, the field of game theory that analyzes strategic interactions. In literature, art, and education, jeu signals performance, contest, or playful interaction across disciplines.

See also: board game, video game, sport, gambling, game theory, play.