X - French Pronunciation of X

The letter X can be pronounced in one of two ways in French:

1. Soft pronunciation - At the beginning of a word*, in front of a consonant, or at the end of a word/syllable**, the X is pronounced [KS] like the X in tax. Listen
    
2. Hard pronunciation - Between two vowels in two different syllables, the X is pronounced [GZ] as in exit. Listen

* Exception: the X in xérès is pronounced [GZ]
** Exception: the X at the end of numbers is pronounced like an S

French words with X

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

xenophobe   (xenophobic)

exprimer   (to express)

taxe   (tax)

examlaire   (model)

dix   (ten)

xérès   (sherry)

Letter combinations with X (click for detailed lessons)

XC

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