Minimal pair · French (France)
French /b/ vs /p//b/ / /p/
Learn to hear the difference between b and p in French words.
Practice these soundsA voiced lip closure
A brief stop made with the lips. Its natural realization depends on the language and sound context.
An unvoiced lip closure
The lips close briefly and release. Listen to the opening consonant in the reference variety used here.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.
A different word.
Beau/peau, bain/pain and boule/poule place the target at the beginning. The examples vary the following vowel while keeping the b/p contrast.
Listen for the target sound in each word.
A common trap
French stops do not use exactly the same timing pattern as English stops. A strong English-style puff of air is not a universal cue for this French distinction.
Sound examples
Tap to hear each word16 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.
Not sure which sounds to practice? Take the free French listening diagnostic