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Sounds and listening

French silent letters in listening

By Jibber Jabber · Updated

Answer in brief

Many final letters in French words are not pronounced, but they can still show grammar or become audible in another form. Learn them in phrases rather than applying one rule to every word.

We make Jibber Jabber. Use captions and word lookup to check a phrase in a French clip.

Scope: This guide is a practical starting point, not a complete course.

A French example

In petit (small, masculine), the final t is normally silent. In petite (small, feminine), you hear the t.

How to practise

Compare related forms in a dictionary with audio or in clear speech. Read the caption only after a first listen, then check the final sound.

What to keep in mind

There are exceptions, and final consonants can be pronounced in some words or liaison contexts.

Sources for this entry

  1. Jibber Jabber French language guide Related guide from this site's publisher.

Continue this reading path

  1. Why is spoken French hard to understand? French words often join in speech, and spelling does not show every sound directly. Familiar written words can therefore be hard to recognise in a continuous sentence.
  2. French liaison and elision by ear Liaison links a normally silent final consonant to a following vowel sound. Elision removes a vowel in writing and speech before another vowel, as in l’ami.

Connected entries

  • Why is spoken French hard to understand? French words often join in speech, and spelling does not show every sound directly. Familiar written words can therefore be hard to recognise in a continuous sentence.
  • French liaison and elision by ear Liaison links a normally silent final consonant to a following vowel sound. Elision removes a vowel in writing and speech before another vowel, as in l’ami.
  • How to hear French nasal vowels French nasal vowels are vowel sounds made with air passing through the nose as well as the mouth. Compare whole words and listen for the vowel, not just the spelling.

How the related sites connect

This guide is one of a coordinated collection of comprehensible input guides published by Jibber Jabber. They share one publisher and are not independent endorsements. See Related websites or visit the Jibber Jabber official site.

Cite this entry

Jibber Jabber. "French silent letters in listening." Comprehensible Input French, updated 2026-11-09. https://comprehensibleinputfrench.com/french-silent-letters/