French Sounds and Spelling: Pronunciation and reading guide · Lesson 1 · 3 minutes
Say A and O
Say the French 'a' sound without gliding.
Play this lesson in your browser. No account needed.
Clear French Sounds
Paul reads a French menu. In French, vowels stay steady. They do not slide.
How does French pronounce its vowel sounds?
- They stay pure and steady.
- They slide into a second sound at the end.
Answer: They stay pure and steady.
French vowels stay on one clean sound.
The French O
English 'no' slides into 'w' at the end. The French O stays round and cuts off cleanly.
Paul sees the word 'mot' on the menu board. How should he say the 'o'?
- Keep lips round and cut off cleanly.
- Slide the sound into 'w' like English 'boat'.
Answer: Keep lips round and cut off cleanly.
Never glide the French O into a W sound.
Complete the rule for the French vowel sound:
French A stays open and steady, with no ___ at the end.
Answer: French A stays open and steady, with no glide at the end.
The French A is open, bright, and steady.
Build the rule for French vowel sounds:
Answer: French O stays round without a w sound
French vowels never glide into an extra ending sound.
Put the steps in order to say a French vowel clearly:
Answer: Make the round mouth shape. → Say the pure vowel sound. → Stop without moving your lips.
Shape your lips first, say one clear sound, and hold still.
What to remember
- French vowels are steady and pure.
- Never add a 'w' glide to French O.
- Hold your mouth still until the sound stops.
Next in this course: Say I. It carries on in the Breni app.
The full French Sounds and Spelling: Pronunciation and reading guide path