New for 2027: French Summer Camp Chamonix

Pronunciation

PRONUNCIATION

There is nothing worse than knowing the right word but once you pronounce it, people don’t understand you !! So let’s have a look at a few pronunciation rules.

Once you know how to pronounce the word, your brain identifies it very rapidly when it hears it, so by pronouncing well, you make yourself understood and you understand others much better.

The most common problems when pronouncing are the following :

-tion :

The English speakers tend to pronounce this ending /shion/ when the French speakers say /ssssion/. There is no doubt when hearing a person pronouncing the word « communication » /comunicashion/ that this person is from an English speaking country. Most of the time, the French will understand you and think you have a cute accent, but sometimes people don’t make too many efforts in understanding foreigners, so they may not get what you’re saying, so why not trying the French way ?

-er = -é = et = ez :

All these letters are pronounced the same way.

Ex : /jouer = joué = jouez = jouet/

Jouer (infinitive verb)

J’ai joué (verbe au passé composé)

Vous jouez (verbe au présent)

Un jouet (a toy)

Consonants :

If a word ends with a consonant, this very consonant drops silent.

Ex : Petit = /peti/

Grand = /gran/

Un pot de fleurs = /po/

OF COURSE a rule has exceptions (especially in French) so there are words for which we do pronounce the last consonant.

Ex : En fait /t/

Sauf /f/

Donc /k/

Fils /sss/

Sac /k/

Mec /k/

Truc /k/

Vowels :

When a word ends with a vowel, this vowel, makes you pronounce the last consonant of the word.

Ex : Petite = /t/

Grande = /d/

Linking the words together :

When a word ends with a consonant we said it drops silent BUT NOT if the next word starts with a vowel.

Ex :

Petit à petit = /petitapeti/

De temps en temps= /detanzantan/

Trois enfants = / trwazenfen/

Vous avez = / voozavé/

May 11th, 2026
Grammar for Dummies

What French people really say vs what you learned in school

If you learned French at school, you might arrive in France with quite a shock. Not because the language is different, but because the way people actually speak is very far from textbook French. In class, you learn full, grammatically perfect sentences. In real life, French people tend to shorten…

January 26th, 2026
Grammar for Dummies

English Words in French: Watch Out for False Friends!

When learning French, many students feel relieved: “Great! French uses lots of English words!” And it’s true. In places like Morzine or Avoriaz, you will hear English everywhere — in shops, schools, and cafés. But be careful: some words look English and sound English… yet do NOT mean the same…

January 19th, 2026
Grammar for Dummies News

How to Learn French in Morzine-Avoriaz: Tips for Total Immersion

Learning French can be a fun and rewarding adventure – especially in France, where you can immerse yourself completely in the language and culture. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Morzine-Avoriaz and improve your French every day. 🌟 1. Immerse Yourself…

December 1st, 2025
Activities in Morzine-Avoriaz Grammar for Dummies

The Best Resources to Learn French: Books, Films, Podcasts, and More

Learning French isn’t just about memorising grammar or vocabulary — it’s about immersing yourself in the language through stories, voices, culture, and everyday expressions. The best way to progress is to combine different types of input, such as reading, listening, watching, and engaging with short-form content. Variety is key: mix…