Tu versus Tout
/ty/ vs /tu/
Change the contrasting sound while keeping the other sounds steady.
A1- · French pronunciation lesson
Voyelles arrondies (u [y] vs ou [u]): 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 position des lèvres "en avant" pour le son [y] par rapport au son [u].
Six phrases for this web practice
French phrases with IPA and English meaning
- 1Tu es prêt?
/ty ɛ pʁɛ/
Are you ready? - 2C'est tout bon.
/sɛ tu bɔ̃/
It's all good. - 3J'ai vu un film.
/ʒe vy œ̃ film/
I saw a movie. - 4Elle est sous la table.
/ɛl ɛ su la tabl/
She is under the table. - 5Tu as vu mon nouveau sac à dos sur la chaise?
/ty a vy mɔ̃ nuvo sak a do syʁ la ʃɛz/
Did you see my new backpack on the chair? - 6Elle est tout à fait heureuse de partir en vacances.
/ɛl ɛ tut‿a fɛ øʁøz də paʁtiʁ ɑ̃ vakɑ̃s/
She is quite happy to go on vacation.Tout à fait keeps the t linking tout to à. This reading omits the optional liaison after fait.
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.
Bu versus Boue
/by/ vs /bu/
Change the contrasting sound while keeping the other sounds steady.
Su versus Sous
/sy/ vs /su/
Change the contrasting sound while keeping the other sounds steady.
Dessus versus Dessous
/dəsy/ vs /dəsu/
Change the contrasting sound while keeping the other sounds steady.
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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