Have you ever needed to express the concept of “jewellery” in another language?
Whether a language enthusiast, traveler, or simply curious about diverse cultures, learning to say “jewellery” across the globe can be enlightening and practical.
This comprehensive guide will help you discover translations, pronunciations, and cultural nuances associated with the word “jewellery” in over 100 languages.
Why Understanding “Jewellery” Matters

The word “jewellery” signifies adornments such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings that people wear for personal decoration or cultural significance.
It captures the essence of beauty, craftsmanship, and personal or cultural identity, traits valued in various cultures worldwide.
Whether shopping for souvenirs, appreciating cultural artifacts, or discussing fashion and personal style, knowing how to articulate “jewellery” in different languages enhances your ability to communicate effectively and appreciate the cultural contexts in which jewellery is cherished or utilized.
Understanding the translations of “jewellery” also provides deeper insights into how societies perceive and value aesthetics, craftsmanship, and symbolism.
It enriches your linguistic skills and fosters better cross-cultural connections, making your interactions more meaningful and respectful.
Saying “Jewellery” in European Languages

Western European Languages
- English: Jewellery (pronounced JEW-uhl-ree)
- French: Bijoux (pronounced bee-ZHOO)
- German: Schmuck (pronounced shmook)
- Spanish: Joyería (pronounced hoh-yeh-REE-ah)
- Italian: Gioielli (pronounced joh-EL-lee)
- Portuguese: Joias (pronounced ZHOH-yahs)
Northern European Languages
- Dutch: Sieraden (pronounced SEE-rah-den)
- Swedish: Smycken (pronounced SMUHK-en)
- Danish: Smykker (pronounced SMUHK-er)
- Norwegian: Smykker (pronounced SMUHK-er)
- Finnish: Korut (pronounced KO-root)
- Icelandic: Smyrkur (pronounced SMUR-kur)
Eastern European Languages
- Russian: Украшения (pronounced oo-kra-SHEE-nyah)
- Polish: Biżuteria (pronounced bee-zhoo-TEH-ryah)
- Czech: Šperky (pronounced SHPER-kee)
- Hungarian: Ékszerek (pronounced AYK-seh-rek)
- Slovak: Šperky (pronounced SHPER-kee)
- Ukrainian: Прикраси (pronounced pry-KRAH-sy)
- Bulgarian: Бижута (pronounced bee-ZHU-tah)
- Serbian: Накит (pronounced NAH-kit)
Celtic Languages
- Irish Gaelic: Seodra (pronounced SHO-dra)
- Scottish Gaelic: Seudra (pronounced SHO-dra)
- Welsh: Gemau (pronounced GEM-eye)
Other European Languages
- Basque: Bizikleta (pronounced bee-zee-KLEH-tah)
- Maltese: Għodda (pronounced GHOD-ah)
- Albanian: Bizhuteri (pronounced bee-zhoo-TEH-ree)
Saying “Jewellery” in Asian Languages

East Asian Languages
- Chinese (Simplified): 珠宝 (pronounced zhū bǎo)
- Chinese (Traditional): 珠寶 (pronounced zhū bǎo)
- Japanese: 宝石 (pronounced hōseki) or ジュエリー (juerī)
- Korean: 보석 (pronounced bo-seok)
South Asian Languages
- Hindi: आभूषण (pronounced ābhūṣaṇ)
- Bengali: গয়না (pronounced goy-na)
- Tamil: நகைகள் (pronounced na-gaigal)
- Urdu: زیورات (pronounced zīwārāt)
- Punjabi: ਗਹਿਣੇ (pronounced gahine)
- Telugu: ఆభరణాలు (pronounced ābharaṇālu)
- Gujarati: આભૂષણ (pronounced ābhūṣaṇ)
- Kannada: ಆಭರಣ (pronounced ābharaṇa)
Southeast Asian Languages
- Thai: เครื่องประดับ (pronounced khrêuang prá-dàp)
- Vietnamese: Trang sức (pronounced trang sục)
- Indonesian: Perhiasan (pronounced per-hee-ah-sahn)
- Malay: Barang kemas (pronounced ba-rang ke-mas)
- Khmer (Cambodian): គ្រឿងលើក (pronounced krêuang leuok)
- Burmese (Myanmar): လက်ဝတ်အင်္ကျီ (pronounced let-wut a-kyi)
Central Asian Languages
- Kazakh: Зергерлік бұйымдар (pronounced zergelik buyymdar)
- Uzbek: Zargarlik buyumlari (pronounced zar-gar-lik buyum-lari)
- Turkmen: Zargarlyk esbaplary (pronounced zar-gar-lyk es-bap-lar-y)
- Tajik: Зарафшонӣ (pronounced zarafshoni)
Saying “Jewellery” in Middle-Eastern Languages

- Arabic: مجوهرات (pronounced mu-jaw-wah-rat)
- Hebrew: תכשיטים (pronounced takh-sheem-teem)
- Persian (Farsi): جواهرات (pronounced jowāharāt)
- Turkish: Takı (pronounced ta-ku)
- Kurdish (Sorani): جواهر (pronounced jawaher)
Saying “Jewellery” in African Languages

- Swahili: Vifungo (pronounced vee-FOON-go)
- Zulu: Izinsimbi (pronounced ee-zin-SEEM-bee)
- Afrikaans: Juwele (pronounced jyoo-veh-leh)
- Amharic: ንብረት (pronounced nibrēt)
- Yoruba: Ìbáṣepọ̀ (pronounced ee-ba-she-po)
- Igbo: Akpụkpọ anụ (pronounced ak-pu-po ah-nu)
- Hausa: Kayan ado (pronounced ka-yan a-do)
- Somali: Dahab (pronounced da-hab)
Saying “Jewellery” in Austronesian Languages

- Filipino (Tagalog): Alahas (pronounced a-la-has)
- Cebuano: Alahas (pronounced a-la-has)
- Maori: Taonga (pronounced tah-OH-ngah)
- Hawaiian: Kāhiʻihi (pronounced kah-hee-hee)
- Javanese: Perhiasan (pronounced per-hee-ah-sahn)
- Malagasy: Firavaka (pronounced fee-rah-vah-ka)
- Malay: Barang kemas (pronounced ba-rang ke-mas)
- Sundanese: Perhiasan (pronounced per-hee-ah-sahn)
Saying “Jewellery” in Indigenous Languages

Native American Languages
- Quechua: Chinkana (pronounced chin-ka-na)
- Navajo: Yáʼátʼééh (pronounced ya-ah-teh)
Australian Aboriginal Languages
- Pitjantjatjara: Tjunguru (pronounced chun-goo-roo)
More Translations of Jewellery in Different Languages

- Georgian: ആഭරණები (pronounced ābhranebī)
- Mongolian: Бэлэг (pronounced be-leg)
- Nepali: गहना (pronounced gah-na)
- Sinhala (Sri Lanka): ගහන (pronounced gah-na)
- Xhosa (South Africa): Izixhobo (pronounced ee-zax-hi-bo)
- Zulu (South Africa): Izinsimbi (pronounced ee-zin-SEEM-bee)
- Estonian: Ehted (pronounced EH-tehd)
- Latvian: Rotaslietas (pronounced roh-tas-lee-eh-tas)
- Lithuanian: Papuošalai (pronounced pah-poo-oh-sha-lie)
- Macedonian: Бижута (pronounced bee-ZHU-tah)
- Slovenian: Nakit (pronounced nah-kit)
- Armenian: զարդեր (pronounced zar-der)
- Basque: Bizikleta (pronounced bee-zee-KLEH-tah)
- Galician: Xoyería (pronounced sho-yeh-REE-ah)
- Luxembourgish: Schéckelcher (pronounced shuhk-el-ker)
- Malayalam (India): ആഭരണങ്ങൾ (pronounced ābharanangaḷ)
- Kannada (India): ಆಭರಣ (pronounced ābharaṇa)
- Tibetan: རྒྱལ་ཆེ (pronounced gyel-che)
- Lao: ອະລະຄານ (pronounced a-la-kan)
- Hmong: Khoom muaj yees duab (pronounced kho-m moo yee-duab)
- Burmese: လက်ဝတ်အင်္ကျီ (pronounced let-wut a-kyi)
Pronunciation Guide and Cultural Insights

Understanding pronunciation is crucial when learning a new word in a different language. It ensures effective communication and shows respect for the language and its speakers.
Tips for Proper Pronunciation
- Listen and Repeat: Use language apps or online resources to hear native speakers pronounce the word.
- Phonetic Spelling: Refer to the phonetic guides provided to approximate the sounds.
- Practice Regularly: Repetition helps in mastering the pronunciation.
- Record Yourself: Compare your pronunciation with native speakers to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Engage with native speakers to receive constructive feedback on your pronunciation.
Cultural Significance
The concept of “jewellery” can carry different connotations across cultures, reflecting societal values and norms.
- Symbolism: In many cultures, jewellery symbolizes status, wealth, and personal achievements. For example, in Indian culture, gold jewellery is often associated with prosperity and is a wedding staple.
- Craftsmanship: Countries like Italy and Thailand are renowned for their exquisite jewellery craftsmanship, reflecting their rich artistic traditions.
- Rituals and Traditions: Jewellery plays a significant role in cultural rituals and ceremonies. For instance, in many African cultures, jewellery is used in rites of passage and to signify tribal affiliation.
- Fashion and Identity: In Western cultures, jewellery is a key element of personal style and fashion, allowing individuals to express their identity and taste.
- Cultural Preservation: Traditional jewellery designs help preserve cultural heritage and are often passed down through generations as family heirlooms.
Understanding these cultural nuances can enhance communication and help you navigate social interactions more effectively.
Translation, Meaning, and Usage in Sentences

Examples in Different Languages
Spanish
- Translation: Joyería
- Meaning: Place where jewellery is sold or the jewellery itself
- Sentence: Me encanta la joyería de esta tienda. (I love the jewellery in this store.)
French
- Translation: Bijoux
- Meaning: Jewellery, adornments
- Sentence: Elle porte toujours de jolis bijoux. (She always wears beautiful jewellery.)
Mandarin Chinese
- Translation: 珠宝 (zhū bǎo)
- Meaning: Precious jewels, jewellery
- Sentence: 这家店的珠宝非常漂亮。(The jewellery in this store is very beautiful.)
Arabic
- Translation: مجوهرات (mu-jaw-wah-rat)
- Meaning: Jewellery, precious items
- Sentence: أحب المجوهرات الذهبية. (I love gold jewellery.)
Hindi
- Translation: आभूषण (ābhūṣaṇ)
- Meaning: Jewellery, ornaments
- Sentence: उसकी आभूषण बहुत सुंदर हैं। (Her jewellery is very beautiful.)
Russian
- Translation: Украшения (oo-kra-SHEE-nyah)
- Meaning: Jewellery, ornaments
- Sentence: Эти украшения очень дорогие. (These jewellery pieces are very expensive.)
Swahili
- Translation: Vifungo
- Meaning: Jewellery, adornments
- Sentence: Vifungo vya thamani vinapatikana dukani. (Valuable jewellery is available in the store.)
German
- Translation: Schmuck
- Meaning: Jewellery, ornaments
- Sentence: Ihr Schmuck ist aus Silber. (Her jewellery is made of silver.)
The Importance of “Jewellery” in Language and Culture

Celebrating Beauty and Craftsmanship
The term “jewellery” often embodies the values of beauty, craftsmanship, and personal expression. In various cultures, adorning oneself with jewellery is associated with elegance, status, and cultural identity.
- Symbolism and Status: Jewellery can signify social status, achievements, and personal milestones. In many Western cultures, engagement rings symbolize commitment.
- Cultural Heritage: Traditional jewellery designs reflect cultural heritage and are often unique to specific regions or ethnic groups.
- Artistic Expression: Jewellery making is an art form that allows for creative expression and the preservation of traditional techniques.
Personal and Social Significance
Jewellery plays a significant role in personal and social contexts, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others.
- Personal Identity: Jewellery allows individuals to express their style, beliefs, and affiliations.
- Social Interactions: Wearing jewellery can influence social dynamics, such as signaling membership in a group or adhering to social norms.
- Emotional Value: Many jewellery pieces hold sentimental value, as reminders of important relationships and memories.
Linguistic Diversity
Learning to say “jewellery” in different languages highlights the linguistic diversity of our world. It reminds us that while we may express ourselves differently, appreciating beauty and adornment is universal.
- Language Preservation: Supporting minority languages through vocabulary learning preserves unique cultural identities.
- Global Communication: Understanding common concepts fosters better international relations and appreciation of global craftsmanship.
- Educational Enrichment: Learning new languages enhances cognitive abilities and broadens perspectives on art and culture.
Psychological and Social Implications
The ability to describe and discuss jewellery can have significant psychological and social implications.
- Self-Expression: Jewellery serves as a means of self-expression, allowing individuals to convey their personality and values.
- Confidence and Empowerment: Wearing jewellery can boost confidence and provide a sense of empowerment and elegance.
- Cultural Connection: Discussing jewellery can strengthen cultural connections and mutual understanding among diverse groups.
Tips for Learning New Vocabulary

- Contextual Learning: Use new words in sentences to understand their meanings better.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage with media (fashion magazines, jewelry catalogs, cultural documentaries) in the target language.
- Practice with Native Speakers: This enhances pronunciation and understanding of nuances.
- Use Flashcards: Helpful for memorization and recall of vocabulary.
- Consistency: Regular practice is key to language retention and mastery.
- Language Apps: Utilize apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or Memrise for structured learning.
- Join Language Groups: Participate in language exchange meetups or online forums to practice speaking.
- Label Objects: Label jewellery items in the target language to reinforce learning.
- Read Aloud: Improves pronunciation and fluency when discussing jewellery.
- Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek to understand the ‘why’ behind language rules and cultural significance.
Conclusion
Exploring how to say “jewellery” in different languages is more than a linguistic exercise; it’s a journey into the heart of cultures worldwide.
Each translation carries its nuances and reflects the values and perspectives of its speakers. By embracing this diversity, we enrich our understanding of humanity and foster global connections.
Whether traveling, making new friends, or expanding your language skills, knowing how to express the jewellery concept will enhance your interactions.
So, take this knowledge with you and celebrate the unique aspects of every language and culture you encounter.
Reference
For further reference on translations and linguistic resources, you can consult the United Nations Terminology Database (UNTERM):