voie versus voix
/vwa/ vs /vwa/
These reference readings sound the same. Use spelling and sentence context to tell the forms apart.
A2+ · French pronunciation lesson
En gare (Annonce et quai): 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.
Comprendre les infos voyage : chiffres, nasales et enchaînements dans une annonce publique.
Six phrases for this web practice
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1Le train pour Lyon part de quel quai?
/lə tʁɛ̃ puʁ ljɔ̃ paʁ də kɛl kɛ/
Which platform does the train to Lyon leave from? - 2Voie numéro trois, attention à la fermeture automatique.
/vwa nymeʁo tʁwa atɑ̃sjɔ̃ a la fɛʁmətyʁ otomatik/
Track number three, mind the automatic doors. - 3Il y a un retard annoncé?
/il ja œ̃ ʁətaʁ anɔ̃se/
Is there a delay announced? - 4Oui, environ quinze minutes, mes excuses.
/wi ɑ̃viʁɔ̃ kɛ̃z minyt mez‿ɛkskyz/
Yes, about fifteen minutes, my apologies. - 5Les portes se ferment dans combien de temps?
/le pɔʁt sə fɛʁm dɑ̃ kɔ̃bjɛ̃ də tɑ̃/
How long until the doors close? - 6Dans deux minutes, préparez vos billets.
/dɑ̃ dø minyt pʁepaʁe vo bijɛ/
In two minutes, have your tickets ready.
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. OQLF: huit. 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.
quai versus cas
/kɛ/ vs /ka/
Change the contrasting sound while keeping the other sounds steady.
billet versus billard
/bijɛ/ vs /bijaʁ/
Compare the complete words. This is not a one-sound minimal pair.
retard versus retenu
/ʁətaʁ/ vs /ʁətəny/
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.
The app has 35 free sound references with recording and replay, plus a separate speaking course. Try its first 4 missions on greetings and introductions free; Premium opens all 120 missions.