How do I know which letters to pronounce? I don't hear the end of most French words!

Question

French pronunciation questions about silent letters

Answer 1

Generally speaking, you do NOT pronounce the final letter of a French word. However, there are exceptions; you do pronounce the final letter if it is C, R, F, or L.

To help you remember, think of the word “CaReFuL.” You don't pronounce the consonants of “careful”!

Examples:

1. chat = /sha/ (not T sound!)
2. parle /parl/ (no E sound!)

BUT:

1. bac = /bahk/

However this is ONLY a rule of thumb. As you advance, you'll need to take other things into consideration!