How to Pronounce Bonjour in French340

Bonjour is the most common way to say "hello" in French. It is a polite and versatile greeting that can be used in both formal and informal settings. While the spelling of bonjour is simple, its pronunciation can be tricky for non-native speakers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pronounce bonjour in French:

1. Start with the "b"

The "b" in bonjour is pronounced like the "b" in the English word "bat." It is a voiced bilabial stop, which means that it is produced by closing the lips together and then releasing the air with a pop.

2. Pronounce the "o" like "aw"

The "o" in bonjour is pronounced like the "aw" in the English word "law." It is a low, back, rounded vowel, which means that it is produced by rounding the lips and lowering the back of the tongue.

3. Glide to the "n"

After pronouncing the "o," glide smoothly to the "n." The "n" in bonjour is pronounced like the "n" in the English word "no." It is a nasal consonant, which means that it is produced by lowering the velum and allowing the air to pass through the nose.

4. Say the "j" like "zh"

The "j" in bonjour is pronounced like the "zh" in the English word "measure." It is a voiced palatal fricative, which means that it is produced by narrowing the vocal tract at the palate and allowing the air to flow through.

5. End with the "r"

The "r" in bonjour is pronounced like the "r" in the English word "car." It is a voiced alveolar trill, which means that it is produced by vibrating the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge.

Putting it all together

To pronounce bonjour correctly, simply combine all of the individual sounds: "baw-zhoor." The emphasis is on the second syllable, so make sure to say "BAW" slightly louder than "zhoor."

Tips for pronouncing bonjour

Here are a few tips that may help you to pronounce bonjour correctly:
Exaggerate the sounds at first. This will help you to get the hang of the pronunciation.
Listen to native French speakers. This will help you to get a sense of the rhythm and intonation.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the easier it will become to pronounce bonjour correctly.

Conclusion

Pronouncing bonjour correctly is an important part of learning French. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can master the pronunciation of this common greeting and make a good impression on French speakers.

2024-10-30

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