Euh versus Alors
/ø/ vs /alɔʁ/
These words have different conversational jobs. Compare their sound and meaning; they are not minimal pairs.
A2 · French pronunciation lesson
Les mots de remplissage (Euh, Alors, Bon, Genre): 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.
Utiliser les tics de langage naturels pour donner une texture authentique à son expression.
Six phrases for this web practice
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1Euh... je pense.
/ø ʒə pɑ̃s/
Uh... I think. - 2Alors, on y va?
/alɔʁ ɔ̃n‿i va/
So, shall we go? - 3Bon, c'est fait.
/bɔ̃ sɛ fɛ/
Well, it's done. - 4C'est genre... super.
/sɛ ʒɑ̃ʁ sypɛʁ/
It's like... great. - 5Euh... alors, qu'est-ce qu'on fait maintenant?
/ø alɔʁ kɛs kɔ̃ fɛ mɛ̃tnɑ̃/
Uh... so, what do we do now? - 6Bon, ben, on se voit demain alors?
/bɔ̃ bɛ̃ ɔ̃ sə vwa dəmɛ̃ alɔʁ/
Well, so, see you tomorrow then?Ben is a nasal discourse marker in this reading; its realization varies by speaker.
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.
Puis versus Ensuite
/pɥi/ vs /ɑ̃sɥit/
These words have different conversational jobs. Compare their sound and meaning; they are not minimal pairs.
D'accord versus Bon
/dakɔʁ/ vs /bɔ̃/
These words have different conversational jobs. Compare their sound and meaning; they are not minimal pairs.
Comme versus Genre
/kɔm/ vs /ʒɑ̃ʁ/
These words have different conversational jobs. Compare their sound and meaning; they are not minimal pairs.
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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