Loi versus Lui
/lwa/ vs /lɥi/
Compare the complete words. This is not a one-sound minimal pair.
A2- · French pronunciation lesson
Combinaisons complexes (oi, ui, ay, oy): phrase and IPA practice
Read six useful French phrases, check their IPA and English meaning, then compare four words, phrases, or spoken forms.
Teacher note
What to notice before you repeat.
Enchaîner différentes semi-voyelles pour tester la souplesse de l'articulation.
Six phrases for this web practice
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1C'est mon choix.
/sɛ mɔ̃ ʃwa/
It's my choice. - 2Le loyer est cher.
/lə lwaje ɛ ʃɛʁ/
The rent is expensive. - 3J'ai un tuyau.
/ʒe œ̃ tɥijo/
I have a pipe. - 4Quel beau paysage!
/kɛl bo peizaʒ/
What a beautiful landscape! - 5Le paysage est magnifique sous la lumière de la nuit.
/lə peizaʒ ɛ maɲifik su la lymjɛʁ də la nɥi/
The landscape is magnificent under the light of the night. - 6J'ai fait le choix de payer mon loyer par carte ce mois-ci.
/ʒe fɛ lə ʃwa də peje mɔ̃ lwaje paʁ kaʁt sə mwa si/
I made the choice to pay my rent by card this month.
How to read this IPA. These are broad French reference readings, edited as complete sentences. Accent, schwa and optional liaison vary; many speakers use /ɛ̃/ where this reference keeps /œ̃/. The mark ‿ highlights a word link; | marks a rhythmic break; ↑ and ↓ suggest pitch movement.
Word readings adapted from Lexique 3.83, Boris New and Christophe Pallier et al.; sentence readings and notes edited by Parle. Revised IPA and notes: CC BY-SA 4.0. See OQLF on obligatory, forbidden and optional liaison. Reviewed .
Four focused comparisons
Compare the words, sounds, or delivery.
Read the label on each card. A one-sound contrast changes one sound; other cards compare whole words, identical readings, connected speech, or intonation. Follow the note before repeating.
Poids versus Puis
/pwa/ vs /pɥi/
Compare the complete words. This is not a one-sound minimal pair.
Toit versus Truite
/twa/ vs /tʁɥit/
Compare the complete words. This is not a one-sound minimal pair.
Mois versus Muet
/mwa/ vs /mɥɛ/
Compare the complete words. This is not a one-sound minimal pair.
Word IPA adapted from Lexique 3.83, Boris New and Christophe Pallier et al., with contextual readings and notes edited by Parle. Comparison transcriptions and notes: CC BY-SA 4.0. Broad reference readings vary with accent and speaking style. See OQLF’s liaison guidance and prosody reference. Reviewed .
A short repeat routine
Meaning first, then shape, then speed.
- Read the English meaning so the line has a clear intention.
- Use the IPA to locate the target sound or connection.
- Repeat slowly without adding an English-style extra vowel.
- Follow the comparison card’s note and return to the complete phrase.
- Use the sound chart to hear a reference for a sound you find difficult.
Evidence boundary
IPA is a reference, not a pronunciation score.
The transcription and contrasts support deliberate practice. They do not certify an accent, diagnose a speech issue, or prove CEFR proficiency. Phrase Match in the app reports detected words and can be wrong.
Start a guided speaking task in Parle.
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