French nasal vowel
The nasal U is represented by the IPA symbol [œ̃] and is pronounced [eu(n)]:
- [eu] is pronounced much like the oo in "good"
- (n) represents the nasal sound
[œ̃] may be spelled un or um.
Par exemple…
| un | one | |
| lundi | Monday | |
| humble | humble | |
| le parfum | perfume |
In France, many speakers do not pronounce the nasal U as [œ̃], but rather [ɛ̃]. Outside of France, the distinction is usually maintained.
Related lessons
- Letters: U | N
- Nasal vowels
- Introduction to vowels
- French alphabet
- Un vs l’un
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