Oui. versus Oui?
/wi/ vs /wi/
Keep the same sounds; use a falling statement or a rising question in this exercise.
A2 · French pronunciation lesson
Intonations montante et descendante (Affirmation vs Question): 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.
Maîtriser la courbe mélodique pour distinguer une déclaration d'une interrogation ou d'une hésitation.
Six phrases for this web practice
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1Tu viens. (↓)
/ty vjɛ̃ ↓/
You are coming.The statement and the following question use the same phonemes; the arrows suggest different pitch contours.
- 2Tu viens? (↑)
/ty vjɛ̃ ↑/
Are you coming?Rising pitch is one possible question contour; context and intent can change the melody.
- 3C'est fini. (↓)
/sɛ fini ↓/
It's finished. - 4C'est fini? (↑)
/sɛ fini ↑/
Is it finished? - 5Tu viens avec nous ↑ / au cinéma ce soir ↓?
/ty vjɛ̃ avɛk nu ↑ | o sinema sə swaʁ ↓/
Are you coming with us to the cinema tonight? - 6C'est fini ↑ / ou on doit continuer encore ↑ / le travail ↓?
/sɛ fini ↑ | u ɔ̃ dwa kɔ̃tinɥe ɑ̃kɔʁ ↑ | lə tʁavaj ↓/
Is it finished or do we have to continue the work?Continuer is shown with /ɥ/ in a common connected reading; /kɔ̃tinye/ is also used.
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: prosody. 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.
Pardon. versus Pardon?
/paʁdɔ̃/ vs /paʁdɔ̃/
Keep the same sounds; use a falling statement or a rising question in this exercise.
C'est lui. versus C'est lui?
/sɛ lɥi/ vs /sɛ lɥi/
Keep the same sounds; use a falling statement or a rising question in this exercise.
D'accord. versus D'accord?
/dakɔʁ/ vs /dakɔʁ/
Keep the same sounds; use a falling statement or a rising question in this exercise.
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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