The hardest words to pronounce in French

English and French have a lot in common - as we’ve written about before. But even though so many words are the same in both languages, or virtually the same, the pronunciation tends to be vastly different between them. Mastering the accent is what many students find the hardest of all, and elisions and contractions, which happen when some words that begin or end with a vowel merge together, can complicate things further.

Some words are relatively straightforward. Others are trickier. And some are downright intimidating for non-French speakers. But once you know how to pronounce these words, doing so becomes a lot easier. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the hardest words to say in French - with a guide on how to pronounce them correctly.

Say: 'on-yuhn'

The spelling is similar in both languages, but the pronunciation is totally different.

Say: 'ey-kyu-re-uh'

Many who learn English as a foreign language struggle with the word ‘squirrel’ - so perhaps it’s only fair that English-speakers find the French word for this tree-dwelling rodent equally challenging.

Say: 'foh-teuy'

The ’l’ is silent.

Say: 'sey-ruh-ruh-ree'

Remember that ‘r’ in French is pronounced has a harsher pronunciation than it does in English. Watch Alexa’s video for a guide on how to pronounce ‘r’.

Say: 'ya-oort'

Here’s another word that isn’t a million miles off from its English translation, but the subtle difference in the syllables can defeat English speakers. Adding to the confusion, in some regions of France the ‘t’ can be silent.

Say: 'cow-oo-tshu'

Caoutchouc doesn’t look like many other French words. In fact it originally derives from Quechua, as rubber trees are native to Mesoamerica.

Say: 'ah-kuh-yeer'

Ironically, perhaps, accueillir isn’t one of the most welcoming words for new learners, but it’s a common one, so best learn its pronunciation sooner rather than later.

Say: 'kan-kay-ree'

Quincaillerie has its roots in the Dutch word klinken, meaning ‘to make a noise’, but English speakers might find this French word a little harder to pronounce.

Say: day-zuh-vray

Watch out for the œthel, which influences the way the second syllable of this word is pronounced.