Pain [p] versus Bain[b]
/pɛn/ vs /bɛ̃/
A2- · French pronunciation lesson
Consonnes non aspirées (p, t, k): phrase and IPA practice
Read six useful French phrases, check their IPA and English meaning, then compare four sound pairs.
Teacher note
What to notice before you repeat.
Éviter de rejeter de l'air lors de l'émission des consonnes p, t, k (différent de l'anglais).
Six lines from the current app lesson
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1Un papa content.
/yn papa kɔ̃tɑ̃t./
A happy dad. - 2Une petite table.
/ynə pɛtitɛ tablə./
A small table. - 3Le café est chaud.
/lə kafe ɛst ʃod./
The coffee is hot. - 4Quatre pommes.
/katʀə pɔməs./
Four apples. - 5Papa est content de manger quatre pommes rouges.
/papa ɛst kɔ̃tɑ̃t də mɑ̃ʒɛʀ katʀɛ pɔmɛsʀuʒəs./
Dad is happy to eat four red apples. - 6Sur la petite table, il y a un cadeau pour le capitaine.
/syʀ la pətitɛ tablɛ, il i a yn kado puʀ lɛ kapitɛnə./
On the small table, there is a gift for the captain.
Four listening and articulation contrasts
Minimal pairs for a sharper self-check
Say the two forms slowly, alternate them, then place each one back into a short phrase. The spelling and IPA stay visible so you are not guessing from English spelling.
Train [t] versus Drain[d]
/tʀɛn/ vs /dʀɛ̃/
Car [k] versus Gare[g]
/kaʀ/ vs /ɡaʀ/
Pont versus Bon
/pɔ̃/ vs /bɔ̃/
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.
- Alternate the minimal pair and return to the complete phrase.
- Use the app when you want model audio, recording, and progress history.
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.
Continue this pronunciation lesson in Parle.
Use reviewed model audio, record the phrases, and keep the ordered A0-A2 path with you.