Learn How to Pronounce the Letter S in French

Learn How to Pronounce the Letter S in French Just as in English, the letter S is used often in French. While it typically sounds exactly as youd expect, there is a second pronunciation youll need to know. This lesson will guide you through the sounds and even give you a few words to practice with. How to Pronounce the Letter S in French The letter S  can be pronounced two different ways in French: Its usually pronounced like the English S. This happens when it appears:At the beginning of a wordAt the end of a word or syllableAs a double SFollowed by a C (see below)In front of a consonantThe rest of the time, it is pronounced like a Z. Use this pronunciation when it is found:Between two vowelsIn a liaison such as les amis  [lay za mee] and  ils  ont. Pronouncing the Combination of SC As mentioned, when the letter S is combined with a C the pronunciation changes a bit.   When SC is used in front  of soft vowel, it sounds like an S.  For example, as in the word  sciences  (science).  If the SC appears in front of a hard vowel or  consonant,  the S  and  C are pronounced separately  and according to their respective rules. Youre probably familiar with the word  escargots  (snails), which follows this rule. Practice Your Pronunciation of S Since you understand the pronunciation rules for the letter S, its time to put it into practice. Using the rules above, see if you can figure out the correct pronunciation of each of these words. When you think you have it, click on the word to hear how its supposed to sound. Sucre  (sugar)Fils  (son)Poisson  (fish)Scruter  (to scan)Visage  (face)Ils ont  (they have)