Poisson [s] versus Poison [z]
/pwasɔn/ vs /pwazɔn/
A2- · French pronunciation lesson
Distinction [s] et [z] (Le sifflement): 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.
Maîtriser la vibration des cordes vocales pour transformer le [s] sourd en [z] sonore entre deux voyelles.
Six lines from the current app lesson
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1C'est sage.
/k'ɛst saʒə./
It is wise. - 2Douze roses.
/duzə ʀɔzəs./
Twelve roses. - 3Ma valise est rose.
/ma valizə ɛst ʀɔzə./
My suitcase is pink. - 4Une tasse de thé.
/ynə tasɛ də te./
A cup of tea. - 5Ma valise est rose et je l'ai posée sur la chaise.
/ma valizə ɛst ʀɔzɛ ɛt ʒɛ l'ai pɔze syʀ la ʃɛzə./
My suitcase is pink and I put it on the chair. - 6Il y a douze roses dans cette tasse de verre sur le sac.
/il i a duzə ʀɔzɛs dɑ̃s sɛtɛ tasɛ dɛ vɛʀʀɛ syʀ lə sak./
There are twelve roses in this glass cup on the bag.
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.
Dessert versus Désert
/dɛsɛʀ/ vs /dezɛʀ/
Casse versus Case
/kas/ vs /kaz/
Base versus Basse
/baz/ vs /bas/
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.