>> ZG·Lingua >  >> Theoretical Linguistics >> Phonology

How do pronounce H in french?

The pronunciation of "H" in French is tricky because it's silent in most cases. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Silent "H"

* Most Common: "H" is usually silent at the beginning of a word. For example:

* hôtel (pronounced "o-tel")

* heure (pronounced "er")

* herbe (pronounced "erb")

2. The Aspirated "H"

* Rare: There are a few words where "H" is aspirated (pronounced with a slight puff of air). This is only in specific cases and usually involves:

* Words beginning with "h" followed by a vowel: Like haie (hedge) or haut (high)

* Words where "h" is followed by "eu" or "ui": Like huit (eight) or huile (oil)

3. The "H" as a Marker

* Grammar: Sometimes "H" is silent but acts as a marker for grammar. This means the word will be pronounced differently depending on the "H." For example:

* L'homme (the man): The "H" is silent, but it shows the "l" is not a liaison (linking sound).

* Le homme (the man): The "H" is silent, but it shows the "l" is a liaison (linking sound).

Tip: If you're unsure whether "H" is aspirated or not, it's generally safe to assume it's silent.

In summary: The French "H" is a silent letter, but it's important to remember that it can sometimes affect the pronunciation of other letters.

Copyright © www.zgghmh.com ZG·Lingua All rights reserved.