Words in French Where the “H“ Is Silent259

The French language is known for its beautiful sounds and complex spelling rules. One of the most common features of French pronunciation is the silent "h." In fact, there are many words in French where the "h" is completely silent, and it can be difficult for learners to know when to pronounce it and when to ignore it.

There are a few general rules that can help you determine whether or not the "h" is silent in a French word. First, the "h" is always silent if it is followed by a vowel. For example, the words "heure" (hour) and "homme" (man) are both pronounced without the "h" sound.

Second, the "h" is usually silent if it is followed by a consonant, except for the letters "l" and "r." For example, the words "honneur" (honor) and "honte" (shame) are both pronounced without the "h" sound. However, the words "hlm" (social housing) and "hêtre" (beech tree) are pronounced with the "h" sound.

There are a few exceptions to these rules. For example, the "h" is pronounced in the words "hélas" (alas) and "héritage" (inheritance). Additionally, the "h" is always pronounced in the names of people and places, such as "Henri" (Henry) and "Havre" (Le Havre).

If you are unsure whether or not the "h" is silent in a particular word, it is always best to consult a dictionary or pronunciation guide.

2024-11-17

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