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French Pronunciation - IN/EN Sounds in French

The "IN" sound in French

French phonetic symbol [ɛ̃]

All these letter combinations are pronounced the same way which is why they all come under the same phonetic symbol

  • IN – IM – Vin – Important
  • YN – YM –  Syndicat – Sympa
  • EIN – EIM – Plein – Reims
  • AIN – AIM – Pain – Faim
  • (I)EN – (Y)EN – (E)EN – Mien – Moyen – Européen
  • Special case – EN – examen
  • UN (Paris Region) – lundi

Mouth Position for French phonetic symbol [ɛ̃]

The lips are wide and the mouth is practically closed. The tongue is forward and the air passes through the mouth.

The "EN" sound in French

French phonetic symbol [ɑ̃]

All these letter combinations are pronounced the same way which is why they all come under the same phonetic symbol

  • EN – EM – Vent – Novembre
  • AN – AM – Dans – Ambulance
  • AEN – AON – Caen – Laon 

Mouth Position for French phonetic symbol [ɑ̃]

It is a nasal sound which you produce by sending air up your nose! Lips are gently rounded and the mouth is open.

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