The French letter R is one of the two most difficult sounds in French for most people. (U is the other one.)

The R is a kind of raspy sound pronounced in the back of the throat: listen. There is no equivalent sound in English, so for this letter more than any other is is essential to get help from a native French speaker. In the meantime, take a look at step-by-step instructions on how to pronounce the French R.

French words with R

Click on the links below to hear the words pronounced in French:

   ronronner   (to purr)

   rouge   (red)

   créneau   (gap)

   farine   (flour)

   sucre   (sugar)

   frère   (brother)

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