Pronunciation·Level A2·1 min
Nasal vowels: the 3 sounds that change everything
French has three nasal vowels that English speakers consistently miss. Master them and your accent jumps two levels.
W
Worlex editorial
The single fastest way to sound less like a tourist is to nail the three French nasal vowels. Here's what they are and how to make them.
The three nasals
an / en
as in «enfant»
on
as in «bonbon»
in / un / ain
as in «pain»
un enfant
a child
/ɛ̃ ɑ̃.fɑ̃/
le pont
the bridge
/lə pɔ̃/
le pain
the bread
/lə pɛ̃/
Save your progress
Create a free account to save phrases, track what you've read, and unlock gated material.
Create free account