Pronunciation Basics
Key Sounds
Before diving into phrases, master these crucial French sounds:
Vowels: - u: Purse lips as if saying "oo" but say "ee" (like tu) - eu: Like "uh" with rounded lips (like deux) - é: Like "ay" in "say" (like café) - è: Like "e" in "bet" (like très) - an/en: Nasal "ah" (like dans, en) - on: Nasal "oh" (like bon) - in: Nasal "an" (like vin)
Consonants: - r: Throat sound, not rolled - h: Always silent - ll: Usually like "y" (like fille) - gn: Like "ny" (like magnifique) - Final consonants usually silent except c, r, f, l