MinimalPairs
Lessons

Minimal pair · French (France)

French /i/ vs /e//i/ / /e/

Learn to hear the difference between i and e in French words.

Practice these sounds
/i/

A close, unrounded vowel

The tongue is high and toward the front. Listen to the vowel as one complete sound.

As innid
/e/

A close-mid, unrounded vowel

A front vowel without rounded lips. Compare it with the other complete vowel.

As innez

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Learn to hear the difference between i and e in French words.

Listen for the target sound in each word.

Sound examples

Tap to hear each word
nid
/ni/nest
prix
/pʁi/price; prize
lit
/li/bed
riz
/ʁi/rice
ami
/ami/friend; masculine noun
nez
/ne/nose
pré
/pʁe/meadow
thé
/te/tea
dé
/de/a die; one of a pair of dice
fée
/fe/fairy
ré
/ʁe/the musical note D

11 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.

Now, let your ears decide.

Can you hear the difference? Listen to two examples, then decide which sound you hear in a new word. Get feedback after every answer.

Practice these sounds

Keep the sound. Change the word.

Learn to hear the difference between i and e in French words.

Explore all French contrasts
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