Liaisons in French, the linking of the final consonant of one word to the initial vowel of the next, play a key role in fluent and natural-sounding speech. However, it can be a tricky concept to master for learners, and one of the questions we are frequently asked by our Coffee Break French community is: what is a liaison in French and how do you use it?
In this episode of The Coffee Break French Show, Max and Mark explain some of the nuances of compulsory liaisons in French, making this difficult topic more approachable. The Coffee Break French Show is a podcast series featuring bite-sized, friendly conversations, which simplify complex French language topics.
Continue reading to learn how to use liaisons to improve your French pronunciation, and don’t forget to listen to the podcast as you go. Plus, stay tuned for our free worksheet at the end to practise what you learn!
What is a liaison in French?
To start, let’s clarify what a liaison is. A liaison occurs when the final consonant sound of one word is linked to the initial vowel sound of the following word. This linking creates a smooth and continuous flow in speech. There are three types of liaisons in French: compulsory, forbidden, and optional. In this episode, we will focus on the compulsory liaisons.
Compulsory liaisons in French
Compulsory liaisons are essential in certain grammatical contexts, ensuring clarity and fluidity in spoken French. Let’s explore these contexts and see some examples.
After pronouns followed by a verb starting with a vowel
One of the most straightforward situations involves pronouns like on, nous, vous, ils, and elles, when they are followed by a verb that begins with a vowel. For instance, consider the following conjugations of the verb avoir in the present tense:
on a
nous avons
vous avez
ils ont
elles ont
From these examples, we can identify two types of liaisons: z and n. When a liaison is needed and the first word ends with –s, –z, or –x, it produces a z sound. When the first word ends with –n, it produces an n sound, as if the second word started with an n-. An easy example is un + noun, for example un oiseau.
In a nominal group
These liaisons are also compulsory in a nominal group, such as after short words like articles or possessive pronouns. Examples include un, des, les, mes, and all the numbers. Let’s take the word ami, because it starts with a vowel:
un ami
a friend, one friend
des amis
some friends
mes amis
my friends
deux amis
two friends
mon ami
my friend
trois amis
three friends
After -t and -d
There is a third type of liaison, which produces a t sound, found after words ending in –t and -d. Examples include:
un petit ami
a small friend, a boyfriend
un petit oiseau
a small bird
tout à fait
absolutely, exactly
You will also find this liaison after quand, when followed by est-ce que or il, elle, on, ils, or elles. For example:
Quand est-ce que tu viens ce soir ?
When are you coming this evening?
Quand il arrivera …
When he arrives …
Exceptions
We talk about some exceptions in the next episode of The Coffee Break French Show. For instance, there is never a liaison with comment except for in the question comment allez-vous ?
Common words triggering liaisons
To finish, let’s look at some words that typically trigger a liaison when the next word starts with a vowel:
en:
en avril
in April
sans:
sans aucun doute
without any doubt
plus:
plus important / plus intelligent
more important / more intelligent
bien:
bien entendu
of course
dans:
dans un an / dans un appartement
in a year / in an apartment
chez:
chez une amie / chez elle
at a friend’s house / at her house
Recap of liaison sounds
Let’s review the various types of compulsory liaisons in French, complete with examples.
Liaison types and sounds
- z liaison:
When a word ends with –s, -z, or -x and the next word starts with a vowel, the final consonant is pronounced as a z sound.
Examples: nous (z)avons, deux (z)amis, chez (z)eux - n liaison:
When a word ends with –n and the next word starts with a vowel, the final consonant is pronounced as an n sound.
Examples: un (n)ami, un bon (n)endroit, en (n)été - t liaison:
When a word ends with –t or -d and the next word starts with a vowel, the final consonant is pronounced as a t sound.
Examples: petit (t)oiseau, quand (t)il arrive, tout (t)est prêt
Understanding liaisons in French is key to mastering the language and sounding more fluent. Compulsory liaisons ensure clarity and a natural flow in speech. By focusing on these essential connections, you will significantly improve your spoken French.
Don’t forget to listen to the full episode about liaisons in French with Max and Mark on The Coffee Break French Show. And to take your understanding of this topic further, you can learn all about forbidden liaisons in another episode.
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Happy Coffee Breaking!
