Pronunciation

How to read these French sounds (focus on what changes)

English letters are familiar, but French spelling is more predictable once you know the key combinations.

Final consonants: your default setting

In French, the last consonant is usually silent. This is a major difference from English.

• nez → /ne/ (the z is silent)
• manger → /mɑ̃ʒe/ (the r is silent)
• petit → /pəti/ (the t is usually silent)

Practical rule: when in doubt, don’t pronounce the final consonant unless you have a liaison (see below).

Liaison: when a “silent” consonant comes back

Liaison = you connect the end of one word to the start of the next word when the next word begins with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u) or mute h.

• les amis → /lezami/ (the final s becomes /z/)
• un ami → /œ̃nami/ (the final n is pronounced and links)
• vous êtes → /vuzɛt/

What liaison sounds like (quick mapping)

Goal: a smooth rhythm, not two separated words.

When you do NOT make liaison (important exceptions)

• Between subject + verb (in this course rule):
  Vous_z-êtes → Vous êtes (don’t force a link here if you’re unsure)
• With “et”:
  un chat et un chien (no link after et)
• Before an “h aspiré” (aspirated h blocks liaison):
  des haricots (no linking sound)

Tip: treat h aspiré like a “stop sign”. You keep a small break.

Mute H vs aspirated H: what to do as a learner

You often can’t “hear” the difference. Use this practical approach:

1. If your book/audio links it, copy it (e.g. les_hôtels).
2. If you see a common aspirated-h word (like haricots), don’t do liaison.
3. If you’re not sure in conversation: choose the safe option → no liaison. You will still be understood.

Self-check: say it like French (10-second routine)

1. Underline the last letter of each word. Ask: “Is it usually silent?”
2. Look at the next word: does it start with a vowel sound?
3. If yes, ask: “Is liaison allowed here?”
   Yes (often): determiner + noun (les_amis, un_ami)
   No: subject + verb, after et, before h aspiré
4. Say the group in one breath: les_amis, un_ami, Monsieur Dupont.

Small pronunciation traps to watch (A1 essentials)

• m / n: keep them clear in names (Martin vs. Nadin).
• ç is always /s/: garçon (never /k/).
• c / g can change sound depending on the next vowel (you’ll learn patterns gradually). For now, rely on the examples given.