French pronunciation: Voyelles orales - /e/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for voyelles orales - /e/.

Quick tip

Oral vowels are produced with air flowing only through the mouth.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• été

• clé

• bébé

• nez

• fée

Minimal pairs

• clé / clé
• nez / nez
• fée / fée
• bébé / bébé
• été / été

How to produce this sound

The French /e/ is a close-mid front unrounded vowel, similar to the vowel in 'they' or 'say', but keep your lips unrounded and your tongue higher and more tense.

Common mix-ups

• été / été
• clé / clé
• nez / né
• fée / fait
• bébé / bébés

Closest comparison

they, say, late, date, cake