y, i (before vowel), ill (e.g. yeux, pied, fille)
/j/
- Language
- French
- Unit
- Consonnes
- IPA
- /j/
- Practice words
- 5
Sample pronunciation audio — Open the full phoneme overview
Start with one sample audio file for semi-voyelles - /j/.
Quick tip
Semivowels are produced like vowels but function as consonants.
Letters and IPA
Practice words
-
yeux
-
pied
-
fille
-
bien
-
rien
Minimal pairs
- pied / pied/paix
- bien / bien/bain
- rien / rien/rond
- fille / fille/file
- lieu / lieu/lot
How to produce this sound
Raise the middle of your tongue close to the hard palate and glide quickly into the next vowel, like the y in yes.
Common mix-ups
- pied / paix
- bien / bain
- rien / rein
- fille / file
- lieu / lot
Closest comparison
yes, you, yard, yellow, yoga
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