Les consonnes
Les consonnes (consonants) are an essential part of pronunciation and spelling. While many are similar to English, some have unique sounds and rules that students need to master for clear and accurate speech.
Key Features of French Consonants
Some consonants are pronounced differently than in English (r, j, g, ch).
Final consonants are often silent (petit, grand, chat).
Liaison occurs when a final consonant links to a vowel sound (les amis → lez-amis).
Special French Consonant Sounds
The French "R" – A throat sound, different from the English "R" (rouge).
Soft and Hard "G" – G sounds like "g" in go before a, o, u but like "j" in giraffe before e, i.
"CH" vs. "SH" – Ch in French sounds like "sh" in English (chaise sounds like "sh-ehz").
"GN" = "NY" Sound – Gagner sounds like "gahn-nyay."
How Can Students Practice?
Listening to native speakers to hear how consonants blend naturally.
Repeating tricky words aloud to improve pronunciation.
Reading and identifying silent consonants in words.
Using games and tongue twisters to reinforce tricky sounds.
By mastering French consonants, students will improve pronunciation, reading fluency, and confidence in speaking!
Les Consonnes Plosives
Les consonnes plosives (explosive consonants) are sounds made by blocking airflow in the mouth and then releasing it suddenly-like a small "explosion" of air. These sounds are important for clear pronunciation and proper articulation in French.
These sounds include:
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/p/ -p - panda (panda)
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/b/ -b - banane (banana)
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/t/ -t -th - tortue (turtle), thé (tea)
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/d/ -d - dent (teeth)
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/k/ -ca -co -cu -k -q canard (duck), cochon (pig), cube (cube), kayak (kayak), coq (rooster)
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/g/ -g -go -gu dragon dragon (dragon), gâteau (cake), légume (vegetable)
Les Consonnes nasales
Les consonnes nasales (nasal consonants) are sounds made by allowing air to pass through the nose while speaking. They give French its unique, flowing sound.
These sounds include:
/m/ -m - mouche (fly)
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/n/ -n - nid (nest)
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/ɲ/ -gn - montagne (mountain) *sounds like 'ny'​
Les Consonnes fricatives
Les consonnes fricatives (flowing consonants) are sounds made by partially blocking airflow, creating friction as air passes through the mouth.
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These sounds include:
/f/ -f -ph - fourmi (ant), photo (photo)
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/v/ -v -w - vache (cow), wagon (wagon)
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/s/ -ce -ci -cy -ç -s - sapin (pine), cerise (cherry), citron (lemon), cygne (swan), garçon (boy), potion (potion)​
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/z/ -z -s - zèbre (zebra), raisin (grape)
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/ʃ/ -ch -sh - cheval (horse), shampooing (shampoo)
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/Ê’/ -ge -gi -gy -j - fromage (cheese), girafe (giraffe), gymnase (gymnasium), jus (juice)
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/r/ -r - robot (robot)
Les Consonnes approximantes
Les consonnes approximantes (soft and smooth consonants) are sounds made by minimal restriction of airflow, making them sound almost like vowels.
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These sounds include:
/j/ -ill -ille -y -yo-yo (yo-yo), fille (girl)
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/l/ -l - lion (lion)​​
Les Consonnes aspirées
Les consonnes aspirées (aspirated consonants) are sounds made with a strong breath of air (aspiration) and do not allow liaison or elision. Unlike most French consonants, which blend smoothly into surrounding words, aspirated consonants create a small break in pronounciation.
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These sounds include:
/h/ -h - hibou (owl)​​​​​​