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 - In front of an E, I, or Y the C is pronounced like an S: listen
    
2. Hard pronunciation - In front of an A, O, U, or a consonant, C is prounced like a K: listen

See lesson on vowels for explanation of hard and soft vowels.


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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