French pronunciation: Nasales - /ɲ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for nasales - /ɲ/.

Quick tip

Nasals are produced by letting air flow through the nose.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• montagne

• champagne

• compagnon

• agneau

• ligne

Minimal pairs

• montagne / montane
• agneau / anneau
• compagnon / companion
• champagne / champaigne
• ligne / lise

How to produce this sound

The /ɲ/ sound is like the 'ny' in 'canyon' or 'onion'. Place the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, letting air flow through your nose.

Common mix-ups

• montagne / montane
• agneau / anneau
• compagnon / companion
• champagne / champaigne
• ligne / lise

Closest comparison

This sound is not present in standard English. Spellings like 'ny' in 'canyon' are only approximations and do not match French /ɲ/ exactly.