How do you pronounce er at the end of a french word?

The pronunciation of "er" at the end of a French word can be tricky, as it depends on the context. Here's a breakdown:

1. Silent "er"

- In most cases, the "er" at the end of a French word is silent.

- This is particularly common in words ending in "-ier" (e.g., *premier*, *banquier*, *fourier*), "-eur" (e.g., *acteur*, *chanteur*, *joueur*), and "-er" (e.g., *aimer*, *parler*, *chanter*).

2. "é" Sound

- Sometimes, the "er" ending is pronounced as a pronounced "é" sound.

- This happens when the "er" is preceded by certain consonant combinations, like "c" or "g" followed by "e" or "i" (e.g., *cher*, *berger*).

- The "é" sound is similar to the "ay" in "say" or the "e" in "bed".

3. "e" Sound

- In a small number of words, the "er" at the end can be pronounced as a short "e" sound, similar to the "e" in "bet".

- This is often the case when the word is part of a compound word (e.g., *monsieur*).

Important Note: It's best to learn the pronunciation of specific words through practice and exposure to spoken French. Dictionaries and online resources can be helpful in this regard.

Here are some examples:

* Silent "er": *aimer (to love), parler (to speak), premier (first), acteur (actor)*

* "é" sound: *cher (dear), berger (shepherd), léger (light)*

* "e" sound: *monsieur (mister), *

Remember, the pronunciation of "er" at the end of a French word can vary, so it's important to pay attention to the context and use resources to guide you.