Learn How to Pronounce Jeanne Moreau | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Jeanne Moreau

Quick Answer: In French, the name Jeanne Moreau is pronounced [ʒan mɔ.ʁo].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Jeanne Moreau, the iconic French actress and enduring symbol of the French New Wave, was a cinematic force whose career spanned over seven decades. Born in Paris in 1928 and a graduate of the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, Moreau rose to international prominence through her collaborations with legendary directors like François Truffaut in Jules and Jim (1962) and Louis Malle in Elevator to the Gallows (1958). Her performances were characterized by a profound intelligence, a smoldering intensity, and a revolutionary portrayal of complex female desire, which challenged conventional norms and cemented her status as a muse of auteur cinema. Beyond her iconic film roles, Moreau was also an accomplished singer and director, winning the prestigious César Award for Best Actress in 1992 for The Old Lady Who Walked in the Sea. Her legacy as a French film star and cultural icon, celebrated for her sultry voice and magnetic screen presence, remains a foundational pillar in the history of European cinema and continues to inspire actors and filmmakers globally.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Jeanne Moreau" is typically spelled consistently in the Roman alphabet, though non-French speakers sometimes make common errors. The most frequent mistake is omitting the final 'e' in "Jeanne," misspelling it as "Jean Moreau," which incorrectly masculinizes the first name. Another occasional typo involves the surname, with misspellings like "Mureau" or "Moreo" arising from phonetic guesses. In French, the correct pronunciation is closer to "Zhan Mo-roh," which can lead to spelling confusion for those unfamiliar with the language. It is also important to note that her full name should always be treated as a proper noun, with both first and last names capitalized. When searching for her work online or in archives, using the correct diacritical marks is not necessary for English-language searches, but ensuring the accurate spelling of both names is crucial for retrieving relevant results about the acclaimed actress and her filmography.

Example Sentences

Film scholars often point to Jeanne Moreau's haunting performance in Elevator to the Gallows as a seminal moment in the emergence of the French New Wave.

With her signature, sultry voice, Jeanne Moreau recorded several albums, bringing a poignant and worldly quality to songs by composers like Michel Legrand.

The daring emotional complexity Moreau brought to her role in Jules and Jim forever redefined the portrayal of women on screen.

At the 1992 César Awards, a visibly moved Jeanne Moreau accepted the award for Best Actress, a testament to her enduring talent.

Directors from subsequent generations, like Wim Wenders, sought her out not just for her acting prowess but for the unparalleled gravity and history she embodied.

To watch a Jeanne Moreau film is to witness a master class in subtlety and powerful screen presence.

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