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Learn How to Pronounce Jean Gabin | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Jean Gabin

Quick Answer: In French, the name Jean Gabin is pronounced [ʒɑ̃ ɡa.bɛ̃].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Jean Gabin, born Jean-Alexis Moncorgé in 1904, was the quintessential and legendary French actor of the 20th century, whose career spanned five decades and became synonymous with the poetic realism film movement of the 1930s. His iconic performances in masterpieces like Jean Renoir's La Grande Illusion (1937) and Marcel Carné's Le Quai des Brumes (1938) established him as the archetypal tragic hero—a man of the people characterized by rugged charm, world-weary integrity, and a commanding, understated presence. Gabin's persona evolved seamlessly from the doomed romantic to the authoritative figure in post-war French cinema, notably in popular crime dramas like Touchez pas au grisbi (1954). His filmography, a cornerstone of classic French cinema, made him a national icon and a titan of French film, with his contributions serving as an enduring benchmark for method acting and cinematic authenticity. His legacy is preserved in institutions like the Musée Jean Gabin in his hometown of Mériel and through his enduring status as a symbol of French cultural heritage.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Jean Gabin" is generally consistent in spelling, as it is a proper noun, but common errors arise from anglicized pronunciation and keyboard slips. The most frequent typo is "Jean Garbin," substituting a 'b' with an 'r'. Others include "Jean Gabain" (adding an 'i') or "Jean Gabine" (adding an 'e'). Occasionally, his surname is misspelled as "Gaban" or "Gabbin." It is also worth noting that his full birth name, "Jean-Alexis Moncorgé," is sometimes referenced, and "Moncorgé" can be misspelled as "Moncorget" or "Moncorge." For SEO and research purposes, it is crucial to use the correct spelling "Jean Gabin" to accurately access information about his filmography and legacy.

Example Sentences

Film scholars often cite Jean Gabin's performance in La Grande Illusion as a masterclass in conveying profound humanity amidst the futility of war.

To understand the soul of poetic realism, one must study the resigned yet defiant gaze of Jean Gabin in the foggy port of Le Havre in Le Quai des Brumes.

Later in his career, the older, more imposing Jean Gabin dominated the screen as the weary gangster in Touchez pas au grisbi, showcasing his remarkable range.

A visit to the Musée Jean Gabin offers a deep dive into the personal artifacts and cinematic history of France's most beloved actor.

His influence is such that many contemporary French actors still describe landing a role "à la Gabin" as the pinnacle of achieving authentic, grounded character work.

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