French pronunciation: Semi-voyelles - /ɥ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for semi-voyelles - /ɥ/.

Quick tip

Semivowels are produced like vowels but function as consonants.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• huit

• lui

• nuit

• puis

• lueur

Minimal pairs

• lui / loué
• nuit / noué
• puis / pouet
• huit / ouïe
• lueur / leur

How to produce this sound

This is a new sound for English speakers. To make /ɥ/, start with your lips rounded as if saying 'oo' in 'food', but try to say 'ee' as in 'see' at the same time. The tongue is high and near the front, lips rounded.

Common mix-ups

• lui / loué
• nuit / noué
• puis / pouet
• huit / ouïe
• lueur / leur

Closest comparison

huit, lui, nuit, puis, lueur