The Minute-Long French Pronunciation Guide97


French pronunciation can be quite challenging for native English speakers. The nasal sounds, the silent letters, and the tricky diphthongs can all be difficult to master. However, with a little practice and a few tips, you'll be able to speak French with confidence.

Here are a few quick tips for pronouncing French correctly:
Pronounce the nasal vowels clearly. French has four nasal vowels: a, e, i, and u. These vowels are pronounced with the air passing through the nose. To pronounce them, simply say the vowel sound while pinching your nose shut. For example, the word "bon" (good) is pronounced with a nasal "o" sound.
Pronounce the silent letters. French has several silent letters, including h, s, and x. These letters are not pronounced at all in most words. For example, the word "homme" (man) is pronounced without the h sound.
Pronounce the diphthongs correctly. French has several diphthongs, which are two vowel sounds that are pronounced together as one syllable. The most common diphthongs are oi, ui, and eu. To pronounce these diphthongs, simply say the two vowel sounds together in one breath. For example, the word "fois" (time) is pronounced with a diphthong oi sound.

Here are a few additional tips for getting the most out of your French pronunciation practice:
Listen to native French speakers. The best way to learn how to pronounce French correctly is to listen to native French speakers. You can find French audio and video recordings online, or you can listen to French radio or TV shows.
Repeat after native French speakers. Once you've listened to some native French speakers, try repeating what they say. This will help you to get the hang of the correct pronunciation and intonation. You can also record yourself speaking French and then listen back to your recordings to identify any areas that need improvement.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better your French pronunciation will become. Try to set aside some time each day to practice speaking French. You can practice with a friend or family member, or you can practice on your own using an online language learning program or app.

With a little practice and a few tips, you'll be able to speak French with confidence. So don't be afraid to start speaking French today!## Additional resources
* [French pronunciation guide](/french-pronunciation-guide)
* [French audio and video recordings](/french-audio-video)
* [Online French language learning programs and apps](/online-french-language-learning-programs-and-apps)

2025-01-04


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