The alphabet

What this page is for: spelling out names clearly

In French, you often need to spell a name (phone, reception, forms).

• épeler = to spell (a name)
• s’écrire = to be written (how it’s spelled)
• un accent / une cédille = important letters marks you must include

A–Z: what to say when spelling ("B like Bonjour")

French speakers often confirm letters with a known word:

• « C’est B comme Bonjour. » = “It’s B as in Bonjour.”
• Use it when the line is bad, the name is unusual, or the listener hesitates.

Accents (é, è, ê…) are part of the spelling

In French, an accent is not “optional decoration”. It is often part of the correct written form.

• Example: Élodie has an accent: É.
• On forms, write the accent exactly: É ≠ E.
• In conversation, you can say: « avec un accent » (with an accent).

Cédille: ç (why it matters)

ç is the letter c with a cedilla: it changes pronunciation and spelling.

• ç is used before a, o, u to keep an “s” sound: François.
• On a form, write the mark: François ≠ Francois.

Quick self-check (before you confirm a spelling)

1. Did you use épeler when asking someone to spell?
2. Did you include any accents (É, è, ê, ï, ü…)?
3. Did you include ç if the word/name has it?
4. If it’s unclear, did you confirm with: « X comme … »?

What to pay attention to in real life

• When you hear: « avec un accent », ask which one if needed: é or è.
• On email addresses, accents are usually removed (technical), but on names and documents, keep them.
• If you spell your own name, go slowly and group letters: « M-A-R-T-I-N ».