Pronunciation of “H“ Combinations in French66


The letter "h" in French can be silent or pronounced, depending on the combination of letters that follow it. Here are the rules for pronouncing "h" combinations:Silent "h"
* h + consonant (except "h + l")
* Example: "homme" (man) is pronounced [ɔm]
* h + l
* Example: "herbe" (grass) is pronounced [ɛʁb]
* h at the end of a word
* Example: "bonheur" (happiness) is pronounced [bɔnœʁ]
Pronounced "h"
* h + a
* Example: "haine" (hatred) is pronounced [ɛn]
* h + e
* Example: "herbe" (grass) is pronounced [ɛʁb]
* h + i
* Example: "histoire" (history) is pronounced [istwaʁ]
* h + o
* Example: "honneur" (honor) is pronounced [ɔnœʁ]
* h + u
* Example: "humain" (human) is pronounced [ymɛ̃]
Exceptions
* Words that begin with "ho"
* Example: "homme" (man) is pronounced [ɔm]
* Words that begin with "hi"
* Example: "hibou" (owl) is pronounced [ibu]
Tips for Pronouncing "h" Combinations
* Listen to native French speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation.
* Practice saying "h" combinations aloud.
* Use a dictionary or online pronunciation guide to check the pronunciation of specific words.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules for pronouncing "h" combinations is essential for speaking French correctly. By following these rules, you can avoid sounding like a non-native speaker and improve your communication skills. Remember that practice is key, so keep listening to and practicing French pronunciation until you become confident.

2024-11-18


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