A0 · French pronunciation lesson

Prix, heure et lettres finales muettes: 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.

Demande un prix, une heure ou un lieu sans prononcer les lettres finales muettes.

Six lines from the current app lesson

French phrases with IPA and English meaning

  1. 1
    C'est combien ?

    /sɛ kɔ̃.bjɛ̃/

    How much is it?
  2. 2
    Quelle heure est-il ?

    /kɛ.lœ.ʁ‿ɛ.til/

    What time is it?
  3. 3
    Où est la gare ?

    /u ɛ la ɡaʁ/

    Where is the train station?
  4. 4
    Le train part à huit heures.

    /lə tʁɛ̃ paʁ a ɥi.t‿œʁ/

    The train leaves at eight o'clock.
  5. 5
    C'est trop cher.

    /sɛ tʁo ʃɛʁ/

    It's too expensive.
  6. 6
    D'accord, merci.

    /da.kɔʁ mɛʁ.si/

    Okay, thank you.

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.

1

chat versus chaque

/ʃa/ vs /ʃak/

2

petit versus petite

/pəti/ vs /pətit/

3

grand versus grande

/ɡʀɑ̃d/ vs /ɡʀɑ̃də/

4

chaud versus chaude

/ʃo/ vs /ʃod/

A short repeat routine

Meaning first, then shape, then speed.

  1. Read the English meaning so the line has a clear intention.
  2. Use the IPA to locate the target sound or connection.
  3. Repeat slowly without adding an English-style extra vowel.
  4. Alternate the minimal pair and return to the complete phrase.
  5. 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.