Unraveling the Mystery of French Pronunciation
French is known for its elegance, but for English speakers, it can be a linguistic challenge. Many French words have made their way into the English language, often carrying their original pronunciation—only to be reshaped by English phonetics. The result? A long list of frequently mispronounced words. This article will guide you through some of the most commonly mispronounced French words and teach you how to say them correctly.
Why Is French So Hard to Pronounce?
French pronunciation can be tricky due to several factors:
- Silent letters: Many French words include letters that are written but not pronounced.
- Nasal vowels: Sounds like “on” and “an” do not exist in English.
- Unfamiliar consonant sounds: The French “r” is pronounced in the throat rather than with the tongue.
- Liaisons and elisions: Words often blend together in spoken French, making it difficult to distinguish individual words.
Commonly Mispronounced French Words
1. Croissant – Not “Crə-sant”
This delicious pastry is often butchered in pronunciation. Many English speakers say “crə-sant” or “kraw-sant,” but the correct pronunciation is “krwah-sahn”, with a soft nasal “n” at the end.
2. Rendezvous – Not “Ren-dez-vous”
Used in English to mean a meeting, this word is frequently mispronounced with an audible “z” sound. Instead, say “rahn-deh-voo”, where the “z” is silent, and the vowels flow smoothly.
3. Déjà vu – Not “Dee-jah voo”
The phrase meaning “already seen” is often pronounced incorrectly as “dee-jah voo.” The correct pronunciation is “day-zhah vu”, with the “j” sounding like the “s” in “measure.”
4. Faux pas – Not “Fox pass”
This term for a social blunder is commonly mispronounced as “fox pass.” The correct pronunciation is “foh pah”, where the “x” is silent.
5. À la carte – Not “A la cart”
When ordering food, many say “a la cart,” but the correct pronunciation is “ah la kart”, with the final “e” remaining silent.
6. Hors d’œuvre – Not “Horse doovers”
This word, referring to appetizers, is frequently mangled into “horse doovers.” The correct pronunciation is “or-derv”, where the “h” is silent and the final letters blend together.
7. Ballet – Not “Bal-LET”
English speakers often mistakenly pronounce the “t” in ballet. Instead, it should be “bal-lay”, with a soft final syllable.
8. Genre – Not “Jen-ray”
Used frequently in discussions about literature, film, and music, this word is often mispronounced as “jen-ray.” The correct pronunciation is “zhahn-ruh”, with a soft nasal vowel.
9. Coup de grâce – Not “Coup de grah”
While “coup de grâce” is often said as “coup de grah,” the final “c” should be pronounced. The correct pronunciation is “koo deh grahs”, with a soft “s” sound at the end.
10. Chic – Not “Chick”
When describing something fashionable, many say “chick,” but the correct pronunciation is “sheek”, with a long “ee” sound.
Mastering French Pronunciation Like a Pro
Want to perfect your pronunciation? Here are a few tips:
- Listen to native speakers: Online resources, French movies, and audiobooks can help you hear the correct pronunciation.
- Practice with phonetic guides: Learning the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for French can improve accuracy.
- Imitate the sounds: Repeat words out loud until they feel natural.
- Use language apps: Apps like Forvo and Duolingo can help you practice pronunciation.
Final Thoughts
French words add elegance and sophistication to the English language, but their pronunciation can be daunting. By learning the correct way to say them, you not only sound more knowledgeable but also show respect for the language’s beauty. So next time you order a croissant or attend a ballet, say it with confidence—and with the correct pronunciation!
