Why is it le hautbois instead of l'hautbois?

J. L.C1Kwiziq community member

Why is it le hautbois instead of l'hautbois?

Is this an exception to the "h" rule that "le hautbois / du hautbois" is not "l'hautbois / de l'hautbois"?

This question relates to:French vocab and grammar list "Music instruments vocabulary in French"

Asked 4 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Le hautbois starts with an aspirated "h" (h aspiré). Contrary to the silent "h" (h muet), they don't contract and are considered a consonant. Here is more on this topic: https://www.lawlessfrench.com/pronunciation/h-aspire/

Like24 years ago

J. L. asked:

Why is it le hautbois instead of l'hautbois?

Is this an exception to the "h" rule that "le hautbois / du hautbois" is not "l'hautbois / de l'hautbois"?

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« n'est-ce pas un livre?Aller à dans passé et future »

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level