G - French Pronunciation of G

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)

GN
NG

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