How to Pronounce “Allez-vous-en“ (French for “Get Lost“ or “Scram“)75

The French phrase "allez-vous-en" translates roughly to "get lost," "scram," or "go away," depending on the context and the level of politeness (which, in this case, is decidedly *not* polite). Its pronunciation, however, can be tricky for non-native speakers, especially due to the linking of sounds and the nuances of French intonation. This guide will break down the pronunciation of "allez-vous-en" phonetically and offer tips to help you master it.

First, let's dissect the phrase word by word:
Allez: This is the imperative form of the verb "aller" (to go). It's pronounced roughly as /aˈle/. The "a" is open and unstressed, similar to the "a" in "father" but shorter. The "llez" is pronounced as a single syllable, with a soft "z" sound. The stress falls on the first syllable.
Vous: This is the formal "you" pronoun. It's pronounced /vu/. The "ou" makes a sound similar to the "oo" in "moon," but slightly shorter and less rounded. The vowel is pronounced clearly, and the "s" is silent in this context.
En: This is a contraction of "en," meaning "in" or "there." In this phrase, it acts as a directional adverb, adding emphasis to the command to leave. It's pronounced /ɑ̃/. This is a nasal vowel, meaning the air flows through your nose as you pronounce it. The sound is similar to the "on" in "son" but with a much more open "a" sound, almost like the "an" in "hand" but nasalized.

Putting it all together, the phonetic transcription of "allez-vous-en" is approximately /aˈle vu ɑ̃/. However, this doesn't fully capture the nuances of connected speech in French. In natural conversation, the sounds often link together more smoothly. The "z" sound in "allez" might subtly influence the following "vu," creating a slight liaison. The final "n" of "en" might also be slightly lengthened and softened, depending on the speaker's accent and rhythm.

Tips for Pronunciation:
Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn the correct pronunciation is to listen to native French speakers say the phrase. YouTube videos, French language learning apps, and online dictionaries often provide audio pronunciations. Pay close attention to the rhythm and intonation.
Practice the individual sounds: Before tackling the whole phrase, practice pronouncing each word individually. Focus on mastering the nasal vowel in "en" and the linked sounds between "allez" and "vous."
Record yourself: Recording yourself saying the phrase allows you to identify areas where your pronunciation needs improvement. Compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker to pinpoint discrepancies.
Pay attention to liaison: Liaison is the linking of sounds between words. In "allez-vous-en," the slight linking between "allez" and "vous" is typical in connected speech, but not always strictly observed. Don't worry about perfectly mastering liaison initially; focus on the individual sounds first.
Embrace the nasal vowels: Nasal vowels are a hallmark of French pronunciation. If you're struggling with the nasal "ɑ̃" in "en," practice by saying "un" (a) and "on" (one) repeatedly, focusing on the airflow through your nose.
Consider the context: The tone and intensity with which you pronounce "allez-vous-en" will heavily influence its meaning. A harsh, sharp delivery will convey anger or frustration, while a more subdued pronunciation might suggest a gentler request to leave. Therefore, paying attention to intonation and stress is crucial.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Mispronouncing the nasal vowel: Many non-native speakers struggle with nasal vowels. Ensure you're directing airflow through your nose when pronouncing "en."
Overemphasizing the "s" in "vous": The "s" in "vous" is generally silent in this context. Don't pronounce it as a distinct "s" sound.
Pronouncing each word separately: While practicing each word separately is helpful, remember to link the sounds together naturally in connected speech to avoid sounding robotic.
Incorrect stress: The stress in "allez-vous-en" predominantly falls on the first syllable ("al"). Avoid placing undue emphasis on other syllables.

Mastering the pronunciation of "allez-vous-en" requires patience and practice. By focusing on individual sounds, listening to native speakers, and recording yourself, you'll be well on your way to sounding like a fluent French speaker – at least in this specific, somewhat impolite, phrase!

2025-06-08

Previous：Mastering French Pronunciation: A Comprehensive Guide to French Phonetics

Next：Unlocking the Secrets of French Pronunciation: A Deep Dive into the Art of Articulation