The Secret to Pronouncing R in French | French Pronunciation Basics

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

💥 *Ready for a challenge?* Download my free PDF & audio with 4 tongue twisters to help you improve your French R pronunciation: www.learnfrenchwithlexie.com/tongue-twisters-french-r

[@dollydaydreamz7149]

Thanks for the explanation. Been struggling with the R forever until I watched this video x

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad the video helped you 💝

[@SnehaBarua-i3f]

is really rare to find a teach that explains every tongue placement for every letter. This was a great video ! i feel more confident in my R's

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you appreciate my work and gain confidence from this video! Apart from French R, which sound(s) do you find most difficult in French?

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks for watching! Are you finding those pronunciation tips useful? Let me know if you want me to do a full video on how to improve your pronunciation!

[@lostboy9817]

Yes why not I am waiting 😌

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Awesome! I will prepare a full video on how to improve your pronunciation :)

[@tabohlouis463]

Please do . I would very much like that

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@tabohlouis463 Awesome! I will upload one today at noon (France time)! Make sure to activate the bell in order to get the notification when it's available ♥

[@chamarawijesinghe3025]

Of course, yes. It will be very useful. Not only me,but also everyone who expects to improve French pronunciation.

[@SbstnKhlFR]

This is most helpful, some great tips. Merci beaucoup.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Merci ! 🥰 Glad you think so! 🫶✨

[@nabiwafayee7538]

Merci beaucoup🙏

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Je vous en prie 😍♥️

[@GK-mx2cv]

Wow, super, merci.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

You’re very welcome 😉😊

[@eduardososa2911]

Great video Lexi!. I understood the lesson, very useful the tip in how to pronounce this consonant correctly, now I have to practice it. You're an excellent French Teacher.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks a lot Eduardo! Let me know how the practice goes 😊

[@janadeepkumar]

Merci beaucoup soeur.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Je vous en prie 😊

[@sheilajenkins4173]

Nasal sounds explained so well. Best explanation I've had.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you Sheila 💞

[@elenaorozco5254]

👍Very helpful lesson!!! Thank you Lexie!!!😉❤️

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you Elena 🥰

[@iamajoy4858]

Why can't we say there is no r sound in French. Only h

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@iamajoy4858 It is similar to the way you pronounce H in English. However, the French R has a bit of friction in the throat that the English H doesn't have 😉

[@frankw2900]

Thanks!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks a lot Frank 😻

[@dr.poojasingh7610]

No adjectives left to describe your explanation Mam. Thank you so much Mam. ☺

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks a lot for your nice comment 😍😍😍

[@vandanamalhotra9201]

Thanks, Lexie for your dedication. Your tricks are really healpful. The video and explanation of the "R" sound so far😃 For me, blocking the air at the back of the tongue and then practicing the gargle sound work best. Merci beaucoup.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

You're welcome! Glad to read that my tricks are helping you. 🫶✨

[@bryanli316]

To all of you struggling, it’s almost sounds like a overpronounced h, almost a choking sounf

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

It's similar to the English H with a little bit of vibration at the back of the throat 😉

[@jessicaflemister4825]

Game changer! Thank you!!! The over pronounced H really is working!!! ❤❤❤

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@jessicaflemister4825 I'm glad you managed to get the correct sound 🤸🤸‍♂🤸‍♀

[@bryanli316]

@@jessicaflemister4825 dont remember whos channel this is but when I watched a short titled “the french R” the guy representing french pronouncing the word r saying he’ll stuff cheese in his mouth, he later then chokes providing a accurate representation of the sound

[@lourdespalacios6669]

Excelente truco! Me ha ayudado un montón. Eres una excelente profesora. Gracias!! Dios te bendiga siempre!! Soy venezolana y te escribo desde las Islas Canarias.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Muchas gracias Lourdes por tu comentario. Me encantó leerlo. Un fuerte abrazo desde México.

[@karla2236]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie❤ Thank you so much for your wonderful tips! Soy nueva subscriptora de tu canal! Tus explicaciones pausadas mostrando los movimientos de la boca y las repeticiones me han sido extremadamente útiles! Apenas estoy comenzando a estudiar francés! Muchas gracias! Saludos desde Ciudad de México!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@karla2236 ​De nada! Me alegra mucho leer que te gusta mi canal. Tengo muchos videos sobre pronunciación. Vivo en Playa Del Carmen 🇲🇽

[@DebopamDey]

Believe me, i have never seen such a dedicated teacher like u.. for one alphabet 'R' u r giving so much time n so many pronunciation trics .. just amazing... U r awesome... Thank u so much from the core of my heart ... For u everyday is happy teachers day....keep on teaching... A true teacher must be like u.. for me R is the toughest alphatet in French to pronounce 🎉❤😮

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks a lot for this adorable comment 😻😻🥰🥰! I'm glad you're enjoying my content 💕

[@DebopamDey]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie whatever I say it's from the heart...I never say anything to make someone happy... I ve been in teaching profession more than 28yrs .. I taught English for 15 yrs during that period I started teaching French n spanish... I taught so many varieties of students at school, college, University standard... So I know how much dedication, hard work n honesty is needed in teaching... That I see in all ur vdos.. I like ur dedication... When we see dedicated n hardworking students, we feel much better... When we see our students' success with our own eyes, then we sense a heavenly feeling that only a true teacher can feel... U r one of them señora.😍👌👍

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@DebopamDey Your comment is deeply moving and inspiring, and resonates with the dedication and passion that define teaching. The fact that you recognize and appreciate these qualities in others speaks to your own high standards and deep understanding of what it takes to be a great teacher. Seeing students thrive and succeed is indeed one of the most rewarding experiences for any teacher. Your kind words reflect the essence of true teaching: fostering growth, inspiring dedication, and celebrating the success of our students. Hard work, dedication, and honesty are essential for making a meaningful impact on students' lives, and it's comforting to hear that you find that same dedication in my videos. Thanks a lot. 🫶✨

[@DebopamDey]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie Lexie, thank u so much for such a beautiful n thoughtful comment... Very well written. I am amazed to see ur knowledge in English, so beautifully written by a French lady... Great My mother tongue is Bengali. In India we have 2 official language... Hindi n English Since very tender age we study English.... U can say English is my 2nd language... So we r comfortable in English since our school, college days... But ur quality of English is excellent... Hats off In India more than 100 languages is used 😍😊

[@DebopamDey]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie And from the teaching point of view one thing I noticed in our country... The students r much more intelligent than us... But in comparison to earlier days, the dedication, hard work, passion is lacking in case of learning a foreign language.. I don't know about ur country... U r putting so much honest effort to make them understand, but the same amount of effort r they putting to grasp the language? If it is positive, then it's fine... But ur effort is 💯... Carry on ur excellent work... Cheers🥰 R u getting bored after getting so long long comments from me?😔🥺

[@ramonalavigne8953]

Yay! Another french channel! I need all the help I can get. I'm a total beginner lol Out of curiosity, I was wondering if British people have a British accent when they speak french? Do we sound really weird? It was a question on a radio show and now I'm curious aha

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

If you're a total beginner, you are definitely on the right channel! Regarding accent, we all have accents when we speak another language. I have a French accent when I speak English! Accents don't matter as long as people understand you ;)

[@frontenac5083]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie Well, if I may, it would be even better to speak English with an English accent! And one of the best ways to be understood in a foreign language is to nail the accent and pronounce like the natives do. At least, if the accent is spot on, that’s one less obstacle as far as being understood is concerned. Plenty of people speak a foreign language with no, or virtually no accent from their native language. In fact, more people than we think because when we hear these people speak, we don’t notice they’re not speaking in their native tongues! Of course, having a foreign accent is not a crime, but the accent (and I include in this the pronunciation) is important when learning a foreign language, and we should try to mimic a native accent of the target language as best we can. A proper accent is not only something cosmetic to care about if we have time and add like a mere ornament, like the cherry on the proverbial cake, it is part and parcel of a language! That’s my opinion anyway...

[@chamarawijesinghe3025]

Wow, Lexie, it does work. Your techniques and tricks are working very well. I have been trying to produce this sound for a long time. But it wasn't met with success until I followed your. So, I would like to send my thanks and love. thanks, thanks,thanks ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you so much for your nice comment! You just made my day! I am glad the video helped you mastering the French R 😍🫶

[@wesleydasilvagomes365]

Splendide classe 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🤗🤗🤗🤗👏👏👏

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Merci Wesley! 😘

[@wesleydasilvagomes365]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie C'est un exceptionnelle plaisir et spectaculaire explication 💯💯💯💯💯💯🙌🙌🙌🥰🥰🥰

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Merci beaucoup Wesley ♥️♥️♥️

[@shutterchick79]

I have a tip, too... To start this sound, try saying the word "air", but keep your tongue forward, and pressed against your lower teeth. That's how I got it....

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

I think it's much easier to start from English H, as I explain in a more recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV60np93f7KrjdU

[@vandanamalhotra9201]

This worked for me instantly. I had been struggling for so long. Thanks 😄

[@vandanamalhotra9201]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie This works well too. Thanks, Lexie😊

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@vandanamalhotra9201 Awesome 💕

[@RushyJam]

Roux is the hardest for me because it sounds too similar to Rue when I pronounce Thank you for your time to teach us

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

The sounds OU and U can sound similar and are difficult for non-native speakers...

[@kirstymacdonald8124]

Your lessons are great. I went on your calendar but there are no openings.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you so much Kirsty! I closed my calendar for the moment, but send me an email at: [e-mail], and we will find a time together ♥️

[@kallens407]

Very very helpful loving your videos :)

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you very much. Which sounds do you struggle with in French?

[@peldon2348]

New subscribers here Mamdam ✋ I really want to learn French Thank you for making KZbin on French learners

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you so much for your nice comment! Any special video I could make for You?

[@eman3336]

Thanks a lot you're great 😘💜

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you so much for your comment! Did the video help you improve the pronunciation of the French R?

[@eman3336]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie yes , sure it helps me a lot 🥰 Mille mercis 😘💜

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

It's great! Any other sound you struggle with in French?

[@lostboy9817]

Very good explanation Alexandra Bravo keep it up Thank you 😍

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thank you very much Jesús. Did those tips help you pronounce the French R?

[@lostboy9817]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie yeah it helped alot but who is Jesús ?

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

I am sorry Fawad. I received your message under another notification, and I mixed the names 😅... I am so so sorry about that 🙈

[@lostboy9817]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie Hahaha its okay Dear 👍 👌

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

I just want to hide somewhere now 🙈🙈🙈

[@HappyNpeaceful]

very helpful clarifications, thank you! One question if permissible - This all makes sense to me (only slight experience with French) except the pronunciation of, "Noire," where there seems to be a slight touch of weight and tone to the R beyond the throaty rumble. Is there a difference or should it be the same also in Noire? Towards the completion of this video, in your pronunciation of the R in 'Journee,' is sounds more like how French people seem to me to say Noire too. The R seems to have less chhaaa and a bit of the English R, and in Noire, a bit of Italian or Spanish, just a mite of roll above the chhaaa. 😊 Hope i wrote this in a way that makes sense!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

There is only one pronunciation of the French R. They are all pronounced the same in the video. 😉🫶💪

[@trangduong4195]

❤❤

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Merci beaucoup 🥰 🖤💜💙💚💛🧡❤🤍

[@sandykay7565]

Merci beaucoup Lexi pour vox excellentes vidéos de prononciation du français! J'ai appris français à l'école dans les années soixante en Australie - beaucoup de grammaire et de vocabulaire! Maintenant, j'apprends la prononciation correcte!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Je comprends parfaitement Sandy. Lorsque j'ai appris l'anglais à l'école, on ne nous enseignait que la grammaire et le vocabulaire. J'ai amélioré ma prononciation et ma compréhension orale par moi-même.

[@NawidSafi-i3m]

Hi

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Salut 😉

[@thomashughes4859]

Salut, Lexie ! I'm happy to see you channel! Sub'd and hit the bell! I look forward to learning lots! Bisou, bisou ...

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks Thomas. Any content in particular you would like to see on my channel?

[@thomashughes4859]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie The present and imperfect subjunctive would be excellent! E.g., I want him to do the homework. AND I wanted him to do the homework. It would be great though maybe a little advanced ... what do you think? Look forward to learning with you on your channel. Merci !

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

It is a great video topic, though it is way too advanced for my channel. My focus is helping beginners ;)

[@lordronn472]

In German it’s KINDA similar!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Yes, this is very true, French R and German R are the same 😉

[@lordronn472]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie yeah the pronunciation is easy for me!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@lordronn472 It's good because for many people it's the hardest ;)

[@eyeliketowatch101]

How do you make the sound without getting a sore throat? If your throat hurts does that mean you're trying too hard?

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

In the beginning, you tend to overdo the sound; that's why you're getting a sore throat. The French R is really subtle and it's close to the English H. You can check out this video in which I compare them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmPcZ5SEq811pLM

[@eyeliketowatch101]

Merci, je vais essayer de le prononcier plus . . . leger. @@LearnFrenchwithLexie

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Avec plaisir 😉 @@eyeliketowatch101

[@Gsef1120]

I am having a hard time with the R sound, It sounds to me like the G sound like in gross?

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

You're not entirely wrong Sefora, because the G and the R are pronounced at the back of the mouth. But they are different. For G, the base of the tongue goes up against the roof of the mouth, it touches it, then the tongue is withdrawn quickly in one go, expelling the air. For R, the base of the tongue also goes up to block the amount of air passing through the mouth but it goes up slightly and it doesn't touch the roof of the mouth. The air you keep expelling and the small space left for it to pass through cause the uvula to vibrate slightly against the base of the tongue. 🫶

[@Gsef1120]

Thanks, need to practice.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@Gsef1120 No worries 💕

[@bryanli316]

To all of you struggling its more like a overpronounced h, almost a choking sound

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

It's similar to the English H with a little bit of vibration at the back of the throat 😉

[@NB-FR]

🎉

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

🤸‍♂🤸🤸‍♀

[@marlenepinillos6250]

🫶👍👏👏👏👏

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Thanks a lot Marlene 💞💞💞

[@kirbywordy2023]

i have cerebral palsy so i dont know if i can pronounce the r sound

[@ryansanderson7023]

The word "parle" can fucking suck it. Been trying to pronounce it for months and I can't get the goddamn thing. I can do all the other french r's, but "rl" is impossible.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Alright Ryan! Let me try to help you! First, let's focus on getting the perfect AR sound. In the second video I made about the R sound, there is a focus on AR. You can check out this video if you need it and go directly on the third chapter "Practice R with vowel sounds" and it starts with AR (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmPcZ5SEq811pLM ). Once you get the perfect AR, let's add the P, and practice getting the perfect PAR. Make sure you say it in one syllable, meaning in one breath. Once, you satisfy with it, let's add LE. But first, we will add it as another syllable. Practice saying PAR-LE. Make sure you pronounce LE as if you were saying "le" [lə] (the - masculine). Also say the word slowly, clearly separating the two syllables, even pausing between them if necessary. Then, slowly try to say it faster and faster, to get used to go from R to L as quickly as possible. Finally, try saying it in one syllable PARL, meaning you don't pronounce the E at the end. All the steps of this exercise are important. It is to make sure you get all the sounds correct, and to build muscle memory (make sure your mouth/tongue get used to go from one sound to the other). Remember to be patient, it takes time to get the right pronunciation, and make sure to let me know if it helps 🫶✨

[@ryansanderson7023]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie I will do my best. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I would type this in French but I have no idea how without cheating and using Google Translate. haha

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@ryansanderson7023 You're very welcome Ryan! Anytime 🫶 Regarding translators, I recommend using DeepL (www.deepl.com/translator ). I find it more accurate than Google Translate. 😉

[@ryansanderson7023]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie C'est tres bien, merci!

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@ryansanderson7023 Je vous en prie Ryan! Je vous souhaite une excellente journée 💞

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

🎉 *Membership has just landed* 🎉 Are you ready to take your French to the next level? By joining my channel, you get access to a set of perks. I’ve designed and tailored each level for your unique needs. ⭐ *Associé* As an associate, you get a loyalty badge next to your username when you comment on my videos, and your support allows me to create free content. ⭐ *Conseiller* As a counselor, you have access to the perks of the previous level (loyalty badge), and you get access to one speaking practice video each month. ⭐ *Ambassadeur* As an ambassador, you have access to the perks of previous levels (loyalty badge & 1 speaking practice video each month), and you get access to one listening practice video each month. ⭐ *Président* As a chairman, you have access to the perks of previous levels (loyalty badge, 1 speaking practice video and 1 listening practice video each month), you get 4 days' early access to new videos every week and access to one live-stream Q&A each month. ➡ Become a member to show your support: kzbin.info/door/cNSfOcofBKnzv2VWu-YH8gjoin ⬅

[@beautyofworldwhichgivenbyallah]

can you please tech me online

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Hello ! For private lessons, you can send me an email at [e-mail] to find out about my rates and availability. 🫶✨

[@adam_meek]

Surely this is only parisian r - not other axunt realisations.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

My accent is Parisian. However this is the way most people from France pronounce it.

[@adam_meek]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie Thanks. And 'subtle' - 'b' is silent.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@adam_meek You mean in the English word "subtle", B is silent?

[@adam_meek]

@@LearnFrenchwithLexie yes. the oed has got over 30 variants (including 'suttle') ...and English settled on this silly spelling.

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

@@adam_meek Thank you for telling me, I didn't know. 🫶✨

[@Chairmann5]

I dont get it? Am i supposed to be making a gargle sound or more of an H sound?? And is it like english R? am i making a Rrrr sound and then using the two holes on the roof of my mouth? Am i even supposed to have small holes there? And why do you keep saying the uvula and back of the throat? its coming from the top. I’m not trying to be rude I’m just really frustrated and confused and i feel like quitting 😞

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

Do not quit! Check out this video, it will answer all your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV60np93f7KrjdU And if not, tell me and together we'll make sure, you'll nail the pronunciation of the French R! 💞

[@jessem2169]

Dont ask to subscribe at the beginning

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

I agree Jesse... But that was my very first KZbin video... I don't do it anymore nowadays 🫶

[@JasonSpielberg]

So basically just pronounce it like the awkward kid does when he's talking about how Majin Buu is rweally rweally strwong but not as strwong as Super Buu.

[@NawidSafi-i3m]

❤❤❤

[@LearnFrenchwithLexie]

💝