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How To Learn French Phonetics: A Comprehensive Guide

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Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging journey. If you’re aiming to master the French language and speak like a native, understanding French phonetics is an absolute must. How To Learn French Phonetics effectively involves breaking down words into their individual sounds, making the language more manageable and improving your accent. At learns.edu.vn, we are dedicated to providing you with the resources and strategies you need to confidently navigate the intricacies of French pronunciation and overall language acquisition. Enhance your communication skills in the French language by mastering these key elements of pronunciation, phonetic sounds and phonetic transcription.

1. Start with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is an essential tool for anyone learning French phonetics. It’s a standardized system of phonetic notation that represents each distinct sound with a unique symbol. Unlike the English alphabet, where letters can have multiple pronunciations depending on the word, the IPA ensures that each symbol corresponds to only one sound. This makes it an invaluable resource for accurately understanding and reproducing the sounds of French.

1.1 Why Learn the IPA?

Learning the IPA may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are immense:

  • Accurate Pronunciation: The IPA allows you to see exactly how a word should be pronounced, regardless of its spelling.
  • Understanding Dictionaries: Most good French dictionaries use the IPA to indicate pronunciation. Knowing the IPA allows you to correctly interpret these pronunciations.
  • Improved Listening Skills: By understanding the phonetic structure of French, you’ll be better able to distinguish between similar sounds and improve your listening comprehension.
  • Self-Correction: You can use the IPA to analyze your own pronunciation and identify areas for improvement.

1.2 Resources for Learning the IPA

Several resources can help you master the IPA:

  • Online IPA Charts: Websites like the International Phonetic Association (https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/) provide comprehensive IPA charts with audio samples.
  • Phonetics Apps: Apps such as “IPA Chart” (available on both iOS and Android) offer interactive charts and quizzes to help you learn the symbols and sounds.
  • YouTube Tutorials: Many channels offer excellent tutorials on the IPA, breaking down the symbols and providing practice exercises. Look for channels like “FrenchPod101” or “Easy French.”
  • Textbooks: Linguistics and phonetics textbooks often include detailed explanations of the IPA and its application to various languages.

1.3 Tips for Mastering the IPA

To effectively learn the IPA, consider the following tips:

  • Start with Familiar Sounds: Begin by learning the symbols for sounds that are similar to those in your native language. This will give you a solid foundation and make the process less overwhelming.
  • Focus on French-Specific Sounds: Pay special attention to the symbols that represent sounds unique to French, such as the nasal vowels (/ɑ̃/, /ɛ̃/, /ɔ̃/, /œ̃/) and the uvular fricative (/ʁ/).
  • Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the IPA symbol on one side and the corresponding sound and example words on the other. This will help you memorize the symbols and their pronunciations.
  • Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each day to practice the IPA. Use online resources, apps, and textbooks to reinforce your learning.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself pronouncing words and phrases using the IPA. Compare your pronunciation to native speakers and identify areas for improvement.
  • Work with a Tutor: A French tutor can provide personalized feedback on your pronunciation and help you master the IPA. Platforms like iTalki and Verbling offer affordable tutoring options.

By investing time and effort into learning the IPA, you’ll gain a valuable tool for mastering French pronunciation and improving your overall language skills.

2. Mastering French Vowels: A Crucial Step

French vowels can be tricky for English speakers because they differ significantly in quantity and quality. While English has a variety of vowel sounds that often depend on regional accents and dialects, French vowels are more standardized and distinct. Mastering these sounds is crucial for clear and accurate pronunciation.

2.1 Pure Vowels

Pure vowels in French are pronounced with a single, consistent sound. Here’s a breakdown of the key pure vowel sounds:

Pure Vowel Sounds IPA Symbol Pronunciation Guide Example Words
/a/ /a/ Similar to the “a” in “father.” Pronounce with an open mouth and a relaxed tongue. chat (cat), pardon (pardon), rare (rare)
/e/ /e/ Similar to the “a” in “say,” but shorter. The tongue is slightly raised and forward. année (year), été (summer), lever (to lift)
/ɛ/ /ɛ/ Similar to the “e” in “bed,” but slightly more open. The tongue is lower in the mouth. tête (head), mère (mother), fête (party)
/i/ /i/ Similar to the “ee” in “see.” The tongue is high and forward in the mouth. six (six), mirage (mirage), filles (girls)
/o/ /o/ Similar to the “o” in “go,” but rounder. The lips are rounded and pushed forward. château (castle), côte (coast), chaud (hot)
/ɔ/ /ɔ/ Similar to the “o” in “caught.” The mouth is open, and the tongue is low in the mouth. soleil (sun), tonique (lively), sortir (to go out)
/u/ /u/ Similar to the “oo” in “moon.” The lips are tightly rounded and pushed forward. loup (wolf), fou (crazy), bouche (wheel)
/y/ /y/ A sound not found in English. To produce it, say “ee” as in “see,” then round your lips as if saying “oo.” tu (you), rue (street), lune (moon)
/ø/ /ø/ Similar to the vowel sound in the German word “schön.” To produce it, say “ay” as in “say,” then round your lips. deux (two), peur (fear), heureux (happy)
/œ/ /œ/ Similar to the vowel sound in the German word “öffnen.” To produce it, say “eh” as in “bed,” then round your lips. heure (hour), œuvre (work), œuf (nine)
/ə/ /ə/ Known as the “schwa” or mute “e.” It is a weak, neutral vowel sound. Often disappears in rapid speech. le (the), de (of, from), que (that, what)

2.2 Semi-Vowels (or Glides)

Semi-vowels, also known as glides, are sounds that begin as vowels but function as consonants. In French, there are three main semi-vowels:

Semi-Vowel Sounds IPA Symbol Pronunciation Guide Example Words
/j/ /j/ Similar to the “y” in “yes.” The tongue is high and forward in the mouth. yeux (eyes), yaourt (yogurt), travail (work)
/w/ /w/ Similar to the “w” in “water.” The lips are rounded and pushed forward. oui (yes), voix (voice), louer (to rent)
/ɥ/ /ɥ/ A combination of the /y/ and /w/ sounds. To produce it, start with the /y/ sound (as in tu), then quickly transition to the /w/ sound. The lips should be rounded throughout. huile (oil), huit (eight), suis (am/is/are)

2.3 Nasal Vowels

Nasal vowels are produced by allowing air to escape through both the nose and the mouth. This gives them a distinct, resonant quality. French has four main nasal vowels:

Nasal Sounds IPA Symbol Pronunciation Guide Example Words
/ɑ̃/ /ɑ̃/ To produce this sound, say the /a/ vowel (as in chat), but allow air to escape through your nose. avant (before), danse (dance), champion (champion)
/ɛ̃/ /ɛ̃/ To produce this sound, say the /ɛ/ vowel (as in tête), but allow air to escape through your nose. vin (wine), main (hand), chien (dog)
/ɔ̃/ /ɔ̃/ To produce this sound, say the /ɔ/ vowel (as in soleil), but allow air to escape through your nose. chanson (song), montagne (mountain), rompre (to break)
/œ̃/ /œ̃/ This sound is similar to the /ɛ̃/ vowel, but the lips are slightly rounded. To produce it, try saying /ɛ̃/ while rounding your lips as if saying /o/. lundi (Monday), parfum (perfume), opportun (opportunistic)

2.4 Tips for Mastering French Vowels

  • Listen and Repeat: Use audio resources to hear native speakers pronounce the vowels. Record yourself and compare your pronunciation.
  • Use Minimal Pairs: Practice distinguishing between words that differ only in one vowel sound. This will help you fine-tune your ear and improve your pronunciation accuracy.
  • Exaggerate at First: When learning a new vowel sound, exaggerate the mouth position and tongue placement. This will help you develop the muscle memory needed for accurate pronunciation.
  • Be Patient: Mastering French vowels takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, and you will eventually improve.
  • Utilize Language Learning Platforms: Platforms like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Memrise offer targeted lessons on French pronunciation, including vowel sounds.
  • Watch French Media: Immerse yourself in the language by watching French movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos. Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce vowels in different contexts.
  • Consider Professional Guidance: Working with a French tutor or language coach can provide personalized feedback and help you overcome specific challenges.

By dedicating time and effort to mastering French vowels, you’ll significantly improve your pronunciation and overall fluency.

3. Decoding Silent Letters in French

Silent letters can be a significant source of confusion for learners. Unlike English, where the rules for silent letters are often inconsistent, French has more predictable patterns. Understanding these patterns can greatly improve your reading and pronunciation skills.

3.1 Common Silent Letters

  • Final Consonants: In French, many final consonants are not pronounced. The most common examples are -d, -t, -s, -x, and -z. However, there are exceptions, especially in short words or when followed by a liaison (more on that later).
  • “H” at the Beginning of Words: The letter “h” at the beginning of a word is almost always silent. There are two types of “h”: h muet (silent “h”) and h aspiré (aspirated “h”). With h muet, you treat the word as if it begins with a vowel, allowing for liaisons and elisions. With h aspiré, you do not make liaisons or elisions.
  • “E” at the End of Words: The letter “e” at the end of a word is usually silent. It often serves to indicate the gender and number of the word, especially for adjectives.

3.2 Patterns and Rules

  1. Final Consonants: Generally, the final consonants -d, -t, -s, -x, and -z are silent. For example:

    • Nez (nose) – pronounced /ne/
    • Petit (small) – pronounced /pəti/
    • Grand (big) – pronounced /ɡʁɑ̃/
    • Deux (two) – pronounced /dø/

  2. Exceptions:

    • Final -c, -f, and -l are usually pronounced:
      • Avec (with) – pronounced /avɛk/
      • Chef (chief) – pronounced /ʃɛf/
      • Fil (thread) – pronounced /fil/
    • Short, common words often pronounce their final consonants:
      • Bus (bus) – pronounced /bys/
      • Mais (but) – pronounced /mɛ/
      • Dos (back) – pronounced /do/

  3. “H” at the Beginning of Words:

    • H Muet (Silent H): Allows for liaisons and elisions. Examples include:
      • L’homme (the man) – pronounced /lɔm/ (elision of le + homme)
      • Les hommes (the men) – pronounced /lez‿ɔm/ (liaison between les and hommes)
    • H Aspiré (Aspirated H): Prevents liaisons and elisions. Examples include:
      • La honte (the shame) – pronounced /la ɔ̃t/ (no elision)
      • Les héros (the heroes) – pronounced /le eʁo/ (no liaison)

  4. “E” at the End of Words:

    • Silent “e” (e muet) at the end of a word is generally not pronounced. It can affect the pronunciation of the preceding consonant.
      • Table (table) – pronounced /tabl/
      • Fille (girl) – pronounced /fij/

3.3 Tips for Identifying and Remembering Silent Letters

  • Use a Dictionary: Always check a good French dictionary, like Larousse or Le Robert, to confirm the pronunciation of new words. They often indicate silent letters.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce words. Mimic their pronunciation to develop a feel for silent letters.
  • Learn Common Exceptions: Make a list of common exceptions to the rules and memorize them. This will help you avoid common pronunciation mistakes.
  • Practice with Minimal Pairs: Use minimal pairs (words that differ by only one sound) to practice distinguishing between words with and without silent letters.
  • Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with words that have silent letters. Review them regularly to reinforce your learning.
  • Consult Online Resources: Websites like Lawless French and French Today offer detailed explanations and practice exercises for silent letters.
  • Gender Guide Usage: Use a gender guide in French can help you to focus on the differences in pronunciation and on hard and soft endings. While the website Grammarist can help you to recognize when a noun is masculine or feminine, Audio French.com gives you direct access to a word’s pronunciation, so that you can hear it before you speak it.

3.4 Practice Exercises

  1. Identify the Silent Letters: Underline the silent letters in the following words:

    • Chant
    • Beaucoup
    • Les
    • Homme
    • Ils

  2. Pronounce the Words: Pronounce the words above, paying attention to the silent letters.

  3. Minimal Pairs: Practice the following minimal pairs to distinguish between words with and without silent letters:

    • Pot (pot) / Potentiel (potential)
    • Vin (wine) / Vingt (twenty)
    • Le (the) / Lent (slow)

By understanding and practicing these rules and patterns, you can significantly improve your French pronunciation and comprehension.

4. Navigating French Consonant Sounds

Mastering French consonant sounds is vital for clear and accurate pronunciation. While some consonants are similar to their English counterparts, others require specific techniques to pronounce correctly. This section breaks down the key consonant sounds in French, providing examples and tips to help you improve your pronunciation.

4.1 Common French Consonant Sounds

Consonant Sounds IPA Symbol Pronunciation Guide Example Words
/p/ /p/ Similar to the English “p.” Pronounce with a burst of air. poisson (fish), accepter (to learn), portable (cellphone)
/b/ /b/ Similar to the English “b.” bonjour (hello), beau (beautiful), bibliothèque (library)
/t/ /t/ Similar to the English “t.” Pronounce with the tip of your tongue touching the alveolar ridge (the ridge behind your upper teeth). table (table), matin (morning), temps (time)
/d/ /d/ Similar to the English “d.” devoir (to have to), idée (idea), dimanche (Sunday)
/k/ /k/ Similar to the English “k.” In French, “c” is pronounced /k/ before “a,” “o,” and “u,” and “qu” is always pronounced /k/. café (coffee), qui (who), croissant (croissant)
/g/ /g/ Similar to the English “g.” garçon (boy), magasin (store), gare (train station)
/f/ /f/ Similar to the English “f.” français (French), professeur (teacher), film (film)
/v/ /v/ Similar to the English “v.” voiture (car), avoir (to have), novembre (November)
/s/ /s/ Similar to the English “s.” salle (room), savoir (to know), costume (suit)
/z/ /z/ Similar to the English “z.” In French, “s” between two vowels is pronounced /z/. zéro (zero), raisin (grape), chose (thing)
/ʃ/ /ʃ/ Similar to the “sh” in “shoe.” In French, “ch” is pronounced /ʃ/. chien (dog), chocolat (chocolate), chemise (shirt)
/ʒ/ /ʒ/ Similar to the “s” in “measure.” In French, “j” is pronounced /ʒ/, and “g” is pronounced /ʒ/ before “e,” “i,” and “y.” jeune (young), géant (giant), voyage (travel)
/m/ /m/ Similar to the English “m.” maison (house), fromage (cheese), programme (program)
/n/ /n/ Similar to the English “n.” nuit (night), banane (banana), penser (to think)
/ɲ/ /ɲ/ The palatal nasal, similar to the “ny” in “canyon.” In French, “gn” is pronounced /ɲ/. montagne (mountain), agneau (lamb), compagnie (company)
/ŋ/ /ŋ/ The velar nasal, similar to the “ng” in “sing.” This sound is less common in native French words and is mostly found in loanwords. ping-pong (ping-pong), camping (camping), anglais (English)
/l/ /l/ Similar to the English “l.” livre (book), mille (thousand), général (general)
/ʁ/ /ʁ/ The uvular fricative, often described as a guttural “r.” This sound is produced at the back of the throat and can be challenging for English speakers. It is always pronounced as a strong sound. rouge (red), fourchette (fork), argent (money)

4.2 The Tricky French “R”

The French “r” (/ʁ/) is one of the most challenging sounds for English speakers. It is a uvular fricative, which means it’s produced by creating friction in the back of the throat using the uvula.

How to Pronounce the French “R”

  1. Feel the Position: Try gargling water to get a sense of the back of your throat. The “r” is produced in a similar area.

  2. Start with a “G” or “K”: Some learners find it helpful to start by trying to pronounce a “g” or “k” sound in the back of the throat and then softening it into the “r” sound.

  3. Practice: Practice with words that have the “r” in different positions:

    • At the beginning: rouge (red), rue (street)
    • In the middle: merci (thank you), orange (orange)
    • At the end: cher (dear), soir (evening)

Tips for Mastering the French “R”

  • Listen and Mimic: Listen to native speakers pronounce words with the “r” and try to mimic their pronunciation.
  • Use Online Resources: Websites like Forvo and YouTube offer audio and video examples of the French “r.”
  • Be Patient: It takes time and practice to master the French “r.” Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
  • Consider a Tutor: A French tutor can provide personalized feedback and help you improve your pronunciation.

4.3 Common Pronunciation Mistakes

  • Confusing /v/ and /w/: English speakers often have difficulty distinguishing between the /v/ and /w/ sounds. Practice with minimal pairs like voiture (car) and ouate (cotton wool).
  • Silent Final Consonants: Remember that many final consonants are silent in French. Be mindful of this rule and practice words with silent final consonants.
  • Nasal Vowels: Nasal vowels can be challenging for English speakers. Practice producing these sounds by allowing air to escape through both your nose and mouth.
  • The French “R”: As mentioned above, the French “r” is a difficult sound to master. Be patient and persistent in your practice.

4.4 Practice Exercises

  1. Pronounce the Following Words: Practice pronouncing the following words, paying attention to the consonant sounds:

    • Poisson
    • Bonjour
    • Table
    • Devoir
    • Café
    • Garçon
    • Français
    • Voiture
    • Salle
    • Zéro
    • Chien
    • Jeune
    • Maison
    • Nuit
    • Montagne
    • Livre
    • Rouge

  2. Minimal Pairs: Practice the following minimal pairs to distinguish between similar consonant sounds:

    • /p/ vs. /b/: Pain (bread) / Bain (bath)
    • /t/ vs. /d/: Thé (tea) / Dé (dice)
    • /f/ vs. /v/: Fou (crazy) / Vous (you)
    • /s/ vs. /z/: Poisson (fish) / Poison (poison)

By understanding these consonant sounds and practicing regularly, you’ll significantly improve your French pronunciation.

5. Mastering Liaisons in French

Liaisons are a crucial aspect of French pronunciation, involving the linking of the final consonant of one word with the initial vowel of the next. Mastering liaisons is essential for achieving a natural and fluent French accent. This section will guide you through the rules, exceptions, and practice exercises to help you master this important phonetic feature.

5.1 What are Liaisons?

A liaison (la liaison) is the pronunciation of a normally silent final consonant when the following word begins with a vowel or a mute “h.” The purpose of liaisons is to smooth the flow of speech and make the language sound more connected.

Types of Liaisons

  1. Required Liaisons: These liaisons must be made in order to speak correct French.
  2. Optional Liaisons: These liaisons can be made depending on the speaker’s preference and the level of formality.
  3. Forbidden Liaisons: These liaisons must not be made under any circumstances.

5.2 Rules for Liaisons

Required Liaisons

  1. Between Pronoun and Verb:

    • Nous avons (we have) – pronounced /nuz‿avɔ̃/
    • Vous êtes (you are) – pronounced /vuz‿ɛt/
    • Ils ont (they have) – pronounced /ilz‿ɔ̃/

  2. Between Determiner and Noun:

    • Un ami (a friend) – pronounced /œ̃n‿ami/
    • Les enfants (the children) – pronounced /lez‿ɑ̃fɑ̃/
    • Des hôtels (some hotels) – pronounced /dez‿otɛl/

  3. Between Adjective and Noun:

    • Petit ami (boyfriend) – pronounced /pətit‿ami/
    • Bon anniversaire (happy birthday) – pronounced /bɔ̃n‿anivɛʁsɛʁ/
    • Premiers étudiants (first students) – pronounced /pʁəmjez‿etydjɑ̃/

  4. After Certain Prepositions:

    • En hiver (in winter) – pronounced /ɑ̃n‿ivɛʁ/
    • Sans argent (without money) – pronounced /sɑ̃z‿aʁʒɑ̃/
    • Chez eux (at their place) – pronounced /ʃez‿ø/

  5. In Fixed Expressions:

    • De temps en temps (from time to time) – pronounced /də tɑ̃z‿ɑ̃ tɑ̃/
    • Tout à coup (suddenly) – pronounced /tut‿a ku/
    • C’est-à-dire (that is to say) – pronounced /sɛt‿a diʁ/

Optional Liaisons

  1. Between Verb and Pronoun (Inversion):

    • A-t-il (does he have) – pronounced /a t‿il/ or /a il/ (more formal)
    • Est-ce que (is it that) – pronounced /ɛs k‿ə/ or /ɛs kə/

  2. Between Adverb and Adjective:

    • Très intéressant (very interesting) – pronounced /tʁɛz‿ɛ̃teʁɛsɑ̃/ or /tʁɛ ɛ̃teʁɛsɑ̃/
    • Plus important (more important) – pronounced /plyz‿ɛ̃pɔʁtɑ̃/ or /ply ɛ̃pɔʁtɑ̃/

  3. In Formal Speech:

    • Speakers may choose to make more liaisons in formal settings to sound more refined.

Forbidden Liaisons

  1. Before an Aspirated “H”:

    • Les héros (the heroes) – pronounced /le eʁo/ (no liaison)
    • Des haricots (some beans) – pronounced /de aʁiko/ (no liaison)

  2. After a Word Ending in a Vowel Sound:

    • Il a (he has) – pronounced /il a/ (no liaison)
    • Elle est (she is) – pronounced /ɛl ɛ/ (no liaison)

  3. Before Et (and):

    • Paul et Marie (Paul and Marie) – pronounced /pɔl e maʁi/ (no liaison)

  4. After a Noun in the Singular:

    • Un étudiant (a student) – pronounced /œ̃n‿etydjɑ̃/ (liaison required)
    • L’étudiant est (the student is) – pronounced /letydjɑ̃ ɛ/ (no liaison)

  5. After Quand (when) at the Beginning of a Sentence:

    • Quand il viendra (when he comes) – pronounced /kɑ̃ il vjɛ̃dʁa/ (no liaison)

5.3 Pronunciation Changes in Liaisons

When making liaisons, the final consonant may change its pronunciation:

  • -D becomes /t/:

    • Grand ami (great friend) – pronounced /ɡʁɑ̃t‿ami/

  • -S and -X become /z/:

    • Les amis (the friends) – pronounced /lez‿ami/
    • Deux enfants (two children) – pronounced /døz‿ɑ̃fɑ̃/

  • -F becomes /v/:

    • Neuf heures (nine o’clock) – pronounced /nœv‿œʁ/

5.4 Tips for Mastering Liaisons

  • Listen Actively: Pay close attention to how native speakers make liaisons in different contexts.
  • Start with Required Liaisons: Focus on mastering the required liaisons first before moving on to the optional ones.
  • Practice Regularly: Use online resources, textbooks, and language learning apps to practice making liaisons.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself speaking French and listen back to identify areas where you can improve your liaisons.
  • Work with a Tutor: A French tutor can provide personalized feedback on your pronunciation and help you master liaisons.
  • Use Visual Aids: Create visual aids, such as charts and diagrams, to help you remember the rules and exceptions for liaisons.

5.5 Practice Exercises

  1. Identify the Liaisons: Indicate which of the following sentences require a liaison:

    • Nous avons des amis.
    • Il est étudiant.
    • Les enfants jouent.
    • Elle a un chat.
    • Vous êtes ici.

  2. Pronounce the Sentences: Pronounce the sentences above, making the required liaisons.

  3. Correct the Mistakes: Correct the following sentences by adding or removing liaisons as necessary:

    • Ils ont été ici.
    • Un homme est arrivé.
    • Quand elle partira.
    • C’est à dire.
    • Petit enfant.

By understanding and practicing these rules and patterns, you can significantly improve your French pronunciation and fluency.

6. Stressing Syllables Correctly in French

Unlike English, which uses stress to emphasize certain words or syllables within a word, French typically stresses the final syllable of a word or a group of words. This consistent stress pattern gives French its characteristic rhythm and flow.

6.1 The Basics of Stress in French

  1. Final Syllable Stress: In French, the stress generally falls on the last syllable of a word or a group of words pronounced together. This is different from English, where stress can fall on various syllables within a word.
  2. Rhythmic Groups: French is often spoken in rhythmic groups, where a series of words are pronounced together as a single unit with stress on the final syllable of the group.

6.2 How to Identify Stressed Syllables

  1. Listen to Native Speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers stress syllables in French. Mimic their pronunciation to develop a feel for the stress patterns.
  2. Focus on the Final Syllable: When pronouncing a word or group of words, emphasize the final syllable slightly.
  3. Practice with Audio Resources: Use audio resources, such as recordings of native speakers, to practice identifying and reproducing the stress patterns.

6.3 Examples of Stress in French

  1. Single Words:

    • Bonjour (hello) – stress on the second syllable: /bɔ̃ˈʒuʁ/
    • Merci (thank you) – stress on the second syllable: /mɛʁˈsi/
    • Chocolat (chocolate) – stress on the third syllable: /ʃɔkɔˈla/

  2. Rhythmic Groups:

    • Je suis allé au cinéma (I went to the cinema) – stress on the final syllable of the group: /ʒə sɥi‿aˈle o si neˈma/

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