French pronunciation: Liquides - /ʁ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for liquides - /ʁ/.

Quick tip

Liquids are produced with a relatively open vocal tract.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• rouge

• rue

• rare

• Paris

• rire

Minimal pairs

• roue / rue
• rare / gare
• rire / lire
• Paris / parie
• rond / fond

How to produce this sound

To make the French /ʁ/, place the back of your tongue near your throat and vibrate it as you voice out. It's like a gargling sound, not like the English 'r'.

Common mix-ups

• roue / roue
• rue / lue
• rare / gare
• Paris / parie
• rire / lire

Closest comparison

This is a new sound for English speakers. Closest alternative: the 'r' in 'red', but French /ʁ/ is pronounced further back in the throat.