1. Education

Discuss in my forum

G - French Pronunciation of G

How is G pronounced in French?

By , About.com Guide

The letter G in French 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 G is pronounced like the G in "mirage": listen
     
  2. Hard pronunciation (see vowels) - In front of an A, O, U, or a consonant, the G is pronounced like the G in "good": listen
When a G is in front of a soft vowel but has to be pronounced as a hard G, a U is added to make it hard, e.g., bague.

When a G is in front of a hard vowel but has to be pronounced as a soft G, an E is added to make it soft, e.g., mangeons.


French words with G

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

   gants   (gloves)

   bague   (ring)

il gèle   (it's freezing)

   aubergine   (eggplant)

nous mangeons   (we eat)


Letter combinations with G (click for detailed lessons) You are here: Learn French > French for Beginners > Pronunciation > Letters > Consonants > G
Related Video
French Dialogues: Shopping
French Dialogues: Directions

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.