Exceptions to the exception: When the final letter IS pronounced

If you’ve already started your French classes, you’ll know that one of the first rules is that many final letters are “shy” and are not pronounced (such as d, s, t, x, z). But, as with any good French rule, there are always rebels! Today we’re going to learn about those letters that do want you to hear them.

The trick with the word “CAREFUL”

To keep yourself from going crazy, remember this English word: C-R-F-L. Generally, words ending in these letters ARE pronounced.

• C: Sac
• R: Bonjour or Hier
• F: Un œuf or Chef
• L: Il or Journal

The S is not silent

• Mars: The month of March. Here, the S is pronounced clearly and strongly!
• Bus / Cactus / Atlas: As these are loanwords from other languages, we retain their original pronunciation.
• Plus: Watch out for this one! Depending on whether it is used in a comparative or negative sense, the S may or may not be pronounced… but that’s a topic for another article.

Some numbers

Six et Dix: Although they end in X, when you say these numbers on their own, the final pronunciation sounds like an S and is mandatory!

Goal!

But: When celebrating a goal or talking about your goals (mon but), you must pronounce the final T in this word.

The cardinal points

Sud et Est: In the south (Sud), the final D is necessary. In the east (Est), curiously, both the S and the T must be pronounced.

Have any of these exceptions surprised you? In my personalized classes, we practice these language “tricks” so that you can speak with complete confidence from day one.