S - French Pronunciation of S

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)

SC

You are here: Learn French > French for Beginners > Pronunciation > Letters > Consonants > S