C - French Pronunciation of C

The letter C is a lot like the C in English. It can be pronounced in one of two ways:

1. Soft pronunciation (see lesson on vowels for explanation) - In front of an E, I, or Y the C is pronounced like an S. Listen
   
2. Hard pronunciation (see lesson on vowels) - In front of an A, O, U, or a consonant, the C is prounced like a K. Listen

When a C is in front of a hard vowel but has to be pronounced as a soft C, the accent cédille - ç - is added to make it soft. Thus, ç is never found in front of an E or I, because those are soft vowels.

French words with C

Click on the links below to hear the words pronounced in French:

café   (coffee)

sucre   (sugar)

ceinture   (belt)

nièce   (niece)

ça va ?   (how are you?)

caleçon   (men's underwear)

Letter combinations with C (click for detailed lessons)

CH
SC
XC

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