French consonant
The letter L is usually pronounced similarly to L in English, except that it’s dental rather than alveolar (see consonant lesson, "place of articulation"). Phonetic symbol: [l].
 |
Par exemple… |
| the letter l | ||
| la laitue | lettuce | |
| laver | to wash | |
| blond | blond | |
However, in most words with a vowel plus IL, L is pronounced like a Y. Phonetic symbol: [j].
|
Par exemple… |
| l’ail | garlic | |
| le soleil | sun |
LL may be pronounced either way – learn more.
|
Par exemple… |
| mille | thousand | |
| la fille | girl |
Related lessons
- Letter combinations: AIL | EIL | EUIL | IL | LL | ŒIL | UEIL | UIL
- Introduction to consonants
- French alphabet
En español
In italiano
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