How Do You Spell "Blue"? When to Use Blue vs. Bleu

The standard spelling is "blue": B-L-U-E. This should be used for most contexts.
The French spelling is "bleu": B-L-E-U. In English, this is most commonly used to talk about "bleu cheese."

For example...

💙 The blue sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds.

🧀 Bleu cheese goes really well with figs and apples.

What does "blue" mean?

"Blue" is a color between green and violet. It is often described as the color of the sky on a clear day or the color of a calm body of water.

Additionally, "blue" can also refer to a feeling of sadness or melancholy, as in the phrase "feeling blue." In various contexts, "blue" can symbolize tranquility, serenity, or coldness.

What does "bleu" mean?

"Bleu" is the French word for "blue." Just like in English, "bleu" primarily refers to the color, but it can also be used to describe other concepts or objects.

When to use "blue" vs. "bleu"

In English, "blue" is the appropriate term for the color and any related concepts. "Bleu" is specifically the French word for "blue" and is not typically used in English except in contexts where French terminology is being employed, such as in culinary or artistic contexts where French terms are commonly used or for stylistic effect. In particular, "bleu" is sometimes used in the term "bleu cheese" meaning "blue cheese," since France is famous for blue cheese.

Common phrases using "blue"

Blue cheese: A type of cheese characterized by blue or green veins of mold throughout, known for its strong flavor.
Feeling blue: To feel sad or melancholic.
Out of the blue: Something unexpected or sudden.
Once in a blue moon: Very rarely or infrequently.
Blue-collar: Relating to manual labor or working-class people.

Common phrases using "bleu"

Bleu cheese: A type of cheese characterized by blue or green veins of mold throughout, known for its strong flavor.
Cordon bleu: A dish consisting of meat, usually chicken, wrapped around cheese or ham, breaded, and fried.
Le Corden Bleu: A well-known culinary institute that started in France and teaches French cuisine.

The use of "blue" and "bleu" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "blue" and "bleu" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Blue" has experienced an increase in use in the last 40 years, while the French spelling "bleu" has seen relatively little use.

How to pronounce "blue" and "bleu"

In American and British English, "blue" and "bleu" are pronounced like "bloo."

With a French accent, "bleu" is pronounced like "bluh."

Additional notes:
These are just the standard pronunciations, and there may be slight variations depending on regional accents and individual speech patterns.

Why would we spell "blue" as "bleu"?

French Terms: In culinary or artistic contexts where French terms are commonly used, "bleu" may be used for stylistic effect.

Simple Typos: It's easy to type the wrong thing, especially when typing quickly or without proofreading. In this case, some people may mix up the order of the last two letters, leading to the misspelling "bleu."

Enlist the help of an AI proofreader to ensure that your written work has no spelling or grammar errors.

Example sentences of "blue"

She wore a stunning blue dress to the gala, turning heads as she entered the room.
The ocean shimmered with a deep blue hue as the sun began to set on the horizon.
His eyes were the brightest shade of blue, reminiscent of the clearest summer sky.
The artist carefully mixed shades of blue to capture the essence of the stormy sea.
The old house was painted a faded blue, its walls weathered by years of exposure to the elements.
The delicate petals of the forget-me-nots were a soft, gentle blue.
The blue jay perched proudly on the branch, its vibrant feathers catching the sunlight.
The chilly air of winter turned her fingers blue despite her thick gloves.
He sipped his steaming mug of tea, gazing out at the blue expanse of the lake before him.
The blue moon cast an ethereal glow over the landscape, illuminating the night with its rare beauty.

Example sentences of "bleu"

The bleu cheese crumbles added a tangy flavor to the salad.
Bleu cheese dressing is a popular choice for dipping vegetables or wings.
She savored every bite of the juicy burger adorned with melted bleu cheese.
In French cuisine, cordon bleu is a classic dish.
Sarah decided to prepare chicken cordon bleu for dinner, impressing her guests with her culinary skills.

Check out our other related blog posts:
🖊️ Color or Colour?
🖊️ Blond or Blonde

FAQ:

Why is "blue" spelled "bleu"?

"Bleu" is the French word and spelling for "blue." In English, "bleu" is primarily used when talking about blue cheese, cheese that has blue-colored mold. Since many blue cheeses are made in France, "blue cheese" is commonly spelled as "bleu cheese." In other contexts, "bleu" may just be a simple typo.

Can you spell "blue" "bleu"?

In general, "blue" is the standard spelling in American and British English and should be used for most contexts. However, "blue cheese" may be spelled as "bleu cheese" since France is famous for a few types of blue cheese. Additionally, when referring to the French names of places and things, "bleu" is used, as in the famous cooking institute "Le Cordon Bleu."

What is the meaning of "bleu"?

"Bleu" is the French word for "blue." Like the English word, "bleu" in French generally refers to the color. In the phrase "bleu cheese," "bleu" refers to the fact that blue cheese is characterized by a blue-colored mold.

How do you write "bleu" in English?

The English equivalent of "bleu" is "blue." "Bleu" is the French word and spelling for "blue," often used to talk about "blue cheese" or "bleu cheese."

Want to sound like a native speaker?

Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.