**How to Pronounce the Macron in French**101

## [Macron Pronunciation in French]

The macron is a diacritical mark that is placed above a vowel to indicate that the vowel is pronounced long. In French, the macron is used on the vowels a, e, i, and u.
Macron on the vowel a
The macron on the vowel a indicates that the vowel is pronounced like the a in the English word "father." For example, the word "mâle" (male) is pronounced with a long a sound, like the a in "father."
Macron on the vowel e
The macron on the vowel e indicates that the vowel is pronounced like the e in the English word "feet." For example, the word "mère" (mother) is pronounced with a long e sound, like the e in "feet."
Macron on the vowel i
The macron on the vowel i indicates that the vowel is pronounced like the i in the English word "machine." For example, the word "île" (island) is pronounced with a long i sound, like the i in "machine."
Macron on the vowel u
The macron on the vowel u indicates that the vowel is pronounced like the oo in the English word "boot." For example, the word "mûre" (blackberry) is pronounced with a long oo sound, like the oo in "boot."
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the general rules for pronouncing the macron. For example, the macron on the vowel e in the word "le" (the) is pronounced like the e in the English word "bed."
Importance of the macron
The macron is an important diacritical mark in French. It can change the meaning of a word. For example, the word "pat" (paw) is pronounced with a short a sound, while the word "pâte" (paste) is pronounced with a long a sound.
If you are not sure how to pronounce a word with a macron, you can consult a dictionary or online pronunciation guide.

2025-02-25

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