S - French Pronunciation of S

How is S pronounced in French?

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