Les AccentsLes Accentsen français

Importance… Affect pronunciation

Change meaning/translation of a word

Can NOT be omitted

1. Accent Aigu Used over the following:

é Gives the “e” a long “a” sound (date) Ex) parlé /parlay/

2. Accent Grave Used over:

à, è, ù Doesn’t change

pronunciation of à or ù

Gives “e” a short /e/ sound (egg)

Ex) lève /lev/

3. Accent Circonflexe Used over:

â, ê, î, ô, û No pronunciation

change Shows missing

letter Ex) hôpital

4. Cédille Used under:

Ç

Gives “c” an /s/ sound

Ex) garçon

5. Tréma Used over:

Vowel (ë)

Pronounce vowels separately

Ex) Noël /no – el/

Importance… Affect pronunciation

ex) parle parlé

Change meaning/translation of a wordex) où = where

ou = or

*Can NOT be omitted*