French Language

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language

How To Pronounce the French R

By Laura K. Lawless, About.com

The letter R is arguably the most difficult sound in the French language, but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of practice, you can learn to pronounce the French R with ease.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Less than 5 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Open your mouth.
  2. Close your throat and carefully enunciate the sound K, several times.
  3. Pay attention to where in your throat the K sound is made. We'll call this the K place.
  4. Begin slowly closing your throat, as if to keep from swallowing a mouthful of liquid, until you can almost feel the K place. Your throat should be only partially constricted.
  5. Tense the muscles around the K place.
  6. Gently push air through your partially constricted throat.
  7. Practice saying Ra-Ra-Ra (where R = steps 4-6) every day.

Tips:

  1. Try not to think of this letter as an R. The French R is nothing like the English R (pronounced in the middle of the mouth) or the Spanish R (pronounced in the front of the mouth). The French R is pronounced in the throat.
  2. The French R sounds a lot like the ch in 'Loch Ness' and the kh in Arabic transcription (e.g., Khalid).
  3. Practice makes perfect!

Explore French Language

About.com Special Features

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

The Business School Lowdown

Everything from choosing a school and applying, to employment after graduation. More >

French Language

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language
  4. Mistakes + Difficulties
  5. How to Pronounce the French R

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.