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S - French Pronunciation of S

How is S pronounced in French?

By , About.com Guide

The letter S can be pronounced two different ways in French:
  1. It's usually pronounced like the English S. It is pronounced this way
       - at the beginning of a word
       - at the end of a word or syllable
       - when there is a double S
       - when it is followed by a C*
       - in front of a consonant
     
  2. The rest of the time, it is pronounced like a Z. It is pronounced this way
       - between two vowels
       - in a liaison (such as ils ont)
French words with S

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

   sucre   (sugar)

   fils   (son)

   poisson   (fish)

   scruter   (to scan)

   visage   (face)

   ils ont   (they have)


Letter combinations with S (click for detailed lessons) You are here: Learn French > French for Beginners > Pronunciation > Letters > Consonants > S
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