Introduction to basic French vocabulary and pronunciation

December 12, 2022 Off By Zak Morris

French is a beautiful and expressive language that is spoken by millions of people around the world. In this tutorial, we will cover some basic French vocabulary and pronunciation rules to help you get started on your journey to learning the language.

First, let’s start with some basic French vocabulary. Here are some common words and phrases that you will likely encounter when beginning to learn French:

  • Bonjour: hello
  • Comment ça va?: how are you?
  • Oui: yes
  • Non: no
  • Merci: thank you
  • S’il vous plaît: please
  • Au revoir: goodbye

Next, let’s talk about French pronunciation. French pronunciation can be challenging at first, but with practice, you will be able to speak with confidence and clarity. Here are some tips to help you with French pronunciation:

  • French is a phonetic language, which means that each letter is pronounced the same way every time it appears. This makes it easier to learn how to pronounce words, as long as you know the basic sounds of the letters.
  • French has several sounds that are not found in English, such as the “u” sound in “tu” and the “r” sound in “Paris.” The best way to learn these sounds is to listen to native speakers and imitate their pronunciation.
  • French words are often pronounced with a nasal sound. This means that the sound comes through your nose, rather than your mouth. To make this sound, try to say the word “sing” with your mouth closed. You should feel the sound vibrate in your nose.
  • Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Learning a new language is a challenging but rewarding experience, and making mistakes is a natural part of the process. With practice and patience, you will be speaking French like a pro in no time.

In conclusion, French vocabulary and pronunciation are essential building blocks for learning the language. By starting with some basic words and phrases, and practising your pronunciation, you will be well on your way to mastering French.