Y - French Pronunciation of Y

The letter Y, which is fairly uncommon in French, can be a consonant or a vowel.

As a vowel, it's pronounced like the y in happy. Listen.

When Y is at the beginning of a word or syllable, it is a consonant and is pronounced just like the English Y. Listen. It is found as a consonant mainly in foreign words, country names, etc.

French words with Y

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

   y   (there)

   cyclisme   (biking, cycling)

   sympa   (nice)

   yaourt   (yogurt)

   yeux   (eyes)


You are here: Learn French > French for Beginners > Pronunciation > Letters > Consonants / Vowels > Y