French Pronunciation Guide

French Pronunciation Guide (Free PDF): Master 38 Sounds

French Pronunciation Guide (Free PDF): Master 38 Sounds

A teacher written French Pronunciation Guide for English speaking learners. Master all 38 sounds including nasal vowels, the French R, and common clusters, with IPA references, mouth diagrams, and everyday examples.

  • Step by step explanations of all 38 sounds
  • Tips that help you avoid common mistakes
  • Practical examples you can use right away
Download the Free Guide

Requires a valid email address for instant access

What you will learn

IPA made simple

Use the International Phonetic Alphabet as a roadmap. Learn only the symbols you need today to read French with confidence.

Thirty eight core sounds

Master vowels, consonants, nasal vowels, and tricky clusters with clear mouth position diagrams.

Everyday examples

See high frequency words and phrases so improvements show up in real conversations fast.

Inside the guide

  • Thirty eight essential French sounds
  • Nasal vowels like [ɑ̃] [ɛ̃]
  • The French R [ʁ]
  • Vowel and consonant clusters
  • Practice tracker
Tip: Start with vowels, nasal vowels, and the French R, these give the fastest wins for clarity.

Who is this for

Beginner learner

You want a clear plan and quick wins. The guide gives the few sounds that change how you are understood from day one.

  • Short daily practice
  • Audio friendly examples
  • Simple IPA keys

Intermediate speaker

You already speak but want cleaner sounds and rhythm. Use the minimal pairs and tracker to tighten accuracy each week.

  • Nasal vowels focus
  • French R coaching
  • Clusters that trip you up

English speaking professional

You need clarity for meetings, interviews, and exams. The guide targets the sounds that carry the most weight in real life.

  • High impact words
  • Exam friendly practice
  • Fast feedback workflow

Why learners trust this guide

"I finally understood the French R and the nasal vowels. My team noticed a clear change in two weeks."

Lara, software project manager

"Clear steps and simple IPA tips. I sound more confident in meetings and my teacher says the rhythm is cleaner now."

Tom, product designer

About the authors

Benjamin profile photo
Benjamin Respaud

Teacher and course designer at Ceci est la France. Creator of the Ultimate French Pronunciation Course and the personal diagnostic.

Etienne profile photo
Etienne

Teacher and language expert at Ceci est la France. Focus on creating clear methods that help learners fix the sounds that matter most.

Download your free French Pronunciation Guide

Get the PDF now

Requires email signup to access

Free PDF, email required Download

Questions you may have

Is the French Pronunciation Guide PDF free to download?
Yes. It is free to download after you enter your email address so we can deliver the file to you.
How do I pronounce the French R [ʁ] correctly?
Create gentle friction at the back of the mouth, not with the tongue tip. The guide includes step by step cues and high frequency examples.
What are the French nasal vowels [ɑ̃] [ɛ̃] [ɔ̃] [wɛ̃]?
They use light nasal airflow while the mouth position stays steady. Minimal pairs help you avoid adding an extra n or m.
Do I need to learn the full French IPA chart?
No. Focus on the symbols for the sounds you find difficult. For a friendly reference, see our French phonetic alphabet page.
Does the guide explain French liaison and elision?
Yes. We highlight the rules that change pronunciation and rhythm so you can sound more natural when reading aloud or speaking.
What is the best way to practice each day?
Work on two or three sounds at a time, read short texts aloud, and record yourself each week. The tracker in the PDF keeps you consistent.
Is the guide good for beginners?
Yes. Beginners get quick wins on the most audible sounds and intermediate learners can refine accuracy and rhythm.
Where can I continue learning after finishing the guide?
Explore our full program here, Ultimate French Pronunciation Course.
Can I talk to a teacher to see how you can help me?
Yes. Book a free presentation call, see how we can help.
Can I book a personal diagnostic 1 to 1?
Absolutely. Schedule your diagnostic session here, book a 1 to 1 diagnostic call.