Pronunciation Question relating to this lesson

Stewart H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Pronunciation Question relating to this lesson

Hi, 

In the example 'appelle-les' the e at the end of appelle is not pronounced.

However, the e is pronounced at the end of  'Regarde-les !' and   'Regarde-la !'

Could you please explain why this is.

Thank you

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Stewart,

If I have understood your question correctly le word 'appelle' is pronounced as a two-syllable word when the pronoun is added at the end.

You would rarely make it a three-syllable word except in some regional areas like the south of France. 

in the case of 'regarde', you can create a third syllable by adding the pronoun at the end. This is more likely to be the norm as the consonants make it hard to produce a two-syllable word although you will hear it in everyday speech.

Hope this helps!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

How would you pronounce les if you didn't pronounce the e ?

But whatever rule you come up with, there's lots of exceptions to it. By advice is not to get too hung up over finding rules.

Stewart H. asked:

Pronunciation Question relating to this lesson

Hi, 

In the example 'appelle-les' the e at the end of appelle is not pronounced.

However, the e is pronounced at the end of  'Regarde-les !' and   'Regarde-la !'

Could you please explain why this is.

Thank you

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