French pronunciation: Voyelles orales - /ɑ/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• papa

• chat

• là

• bas

• sac

Minimal pairs

• papa / pâle
• là / la
• bas / beau
• chat / chaud
• sac / sec

How to produce this sound

Open your mouth wide and relax your tongue low and back, as in 'father' or 'spa'. The sound is long and open.

Common mix-ups

• papa / pâle
• chat / chaud
• bas / beau
• là / la
• sac / sec

Closest comparison

car, father, spa, calm, palm