Master French Pronunciation in 10 minutes | 12 Key Rules

Summary

This video explains 12 key pronunciation rules in French to help improve reading and speaking skills. It covers various topics, such as the pronunciation of 'S' between vowels, silent 'E' at the end of words, and the influence of vowels on consonants like 'C' and 'G'. It also addresses nasal sounds, double consonants, the pronunciation of 'IL' and 'ILL', vowel combinations, and silent letters. Additionally, the video highlights important pronunciation patterns like liaisons, consonant links, and the special rules for 'QU'. These rules will help learners avoid common mistakes and boost their French pronunciation.

Takeaways

• 😀 One 'S' between two vowels is pronounced [z], like the buzzing sound of a bee (zzz).
• 😀 'SS' between vowels is pronounced [s], like the hissing sound of a snake (sss).
• 😀 The letter 'E' is silent when it’s the last letter of a word, except in two-letter words and when it has an accent.
• 😀 'C' is pronounced [k] before hard vowels (A, U, O) and [s] before soft vowels (E, I, Y).
• 😀 'G' is pronounced [g] before hard vowels (A, U, O) and [ʒ] before soft vowels (E, I, Y).
• 😀 Nasal sounds occur when vowels are followed by 'N' or 'M' at the end of a word, and the 'N' or 'M' is not pronounced.
• 😀 Double consonants (except CC, GG, SS) do not affect the pronunciation of the word.
• 😀 'IL' and 'ILL' are pronounced like the English 'Y' when followed by a vowel, with a few exceptions.
• 😀 Vowel combinations like 'AU', 'EAU', 'OI', and 'OU' are pronounced in a specific way, combining the vowels into a single sound.
• 😀 The letter 'H' is silent in French, but when combined with 'PH', it’s pronounced [f].
• 😀 Silent consonants at the end of words include D, G, P, S, T, X, and Z.
• 😀 Consonant links (liaisons) are common in spoken French, linking the final consonant of one word to the next word starting with a vowel sound.

Q & A

Why is the letter 'S' pronounced as 'Z' in certain cases in French?

The letter 'S' is pronounced as 'Z' when it appears between two vowels. This pronunciation can be compared to the buzzing sound of a bee, like 'zzz'. For example, 'un cousin' (a cousin) and 'du poison' (poison).

When is the final 'E' in a French word silent?

In French, the final 'E' is generally silent, such as in 'une femme' (a woman) and 'une boulangerie' (a bakery). However, it is pronounced when it has an accent or in two-letter words like 'je' (I) and 'le' (the).

What is the difference in pronunciation between 'C' followed by hard and soft vowels?

When 'C' is followed by hard vowels (A, U, O), it is pronounced as [k], as in 'du café' (coffee). When 'C' is followed by soft vowels (E, I, Y), it is pronounced as [s], as in 'de la sauce' (gravy).

How does the pronunciation of 'G' change depending on the following vowel?

When 'G' is followed by a hard vowel (A, U, O), it is pronounced [g], as in 'un gant' (a glove). When followed by a soft vowel (E, I, Y), it is pronounced [ʒ], as in 'un chargeur' (a charger).

How do nasal sounds work in French pronunciation?

Nasal sounds in French are formed when vowels are followed by 'N' or 'M', often at the end of a word or before a silent consonant. Examples include 'pain' (bread), 'comment' (how), and 'bonjour' (hello). The three main nasal sounds are [ɔ̃], [ɑ̃], and [ɛ̃].

Why don't double consonants affect pronunciation in French?

In French, double consonants do not change the pronunciation of a word. For instance, 'une grippe' (a flu) and 'des bottes' (boots) have the same pronunciation as if the consonants were single.

When is 'IL' and 'ILL' pronounced as [j] in French?

In French, 'IL' and 'ILL' are pronounced [j] (like the English 'y' sound) when followed by a vowel, such as in 'travail' (work) or 'fille' (girl). There are exceptions, such as 'ville' (town) and 'mille' (one thousand), where 'ILL' is pronounced [il].

What vowel combinations in French form unique sounds?

French vowel combinations often make unique sounds. For example, 'AU' and 'EAU' both make the sound [o], 'OI' makes the sound [wa], and 'OU' makes the sound [u]. Additionally, combinations like 'OIN' make the nasal sound [wε̃], as in 'loin' (far).

Why is the letter 'H' silent in French?

In French, the letter 'H' is always silent and has no aspiration, as in 'un rhume' (a cold). However, when combined with 'PH', it forms the [f] sound, as in 'une photo' (a photo), and 'CH' forms the [ʃ] sound, as in 'dimanche' (Sunday).

What are consonant links and how do they affect French pronunciation?

Consonant links in French occur when the final consonant of one word is pronounced with the first vowel sound of the following word. These links are mandatory and help create a smooth flow in speech, as seen in 'Il est grand' (He's tall), where the 't' from 'est' links with the 'e' in 'grand'.