🇫🇷👂Honest Spelling: roe deer

Bonjour bonjour !

How's your learning going? Feel free to share any questions or feedback by replying to this email.

Back to the chalet after my morning walk in the Chamonix forest (see previous emails), just as I was removing my shoes, I had a surprise...

Do you know how to say "a roe deer" in French?

Proper Spelling: un chevreuil
Honest Spelling: ẽ-she-vre-y

Let's talk about the "euil" ending. You'll find it in many French words (écureuil, Montreuil, fauteuil, deuil...) and it tends to scare people off faster than a roe deer caught chilling in my backyard.

To be fair, it isn't the easiest sound to explain. But it's very common in French, so let's tackle it.

First, the "euil" ending sounds exactly the same as the "euille" and some words ending in "eil". So the following words rhyme perfectly:

• chevreuil
• accueille
• accueil
• feuille
• oeil

Second, there is NO 'L' sound. At all. None. Nada. Aucun. That's why my Honest Spelling goes: chevreuil = she-vre-y. Not a single L to be seen (or heard).

I've found a clip with the word "fauteuil" followed by a pause, so you can hear what it sounds like clearly. Watch it here.

Here's how to make that sound:

1. Say the English word "eye". Notice how the sounds are actually "ah" followed by a "y" sound.
2. Say the English word "a" as in "a thing". (and I don't mean the emphatic pronunciation of "a thing", the one that sounds like "A" in "ABC" - I mean the more common pronunciation, the one you use most of the time)
3. Say the English word "a" again, and add the "y" sound. That's generally very close to "euil/euille".

Alternatively, you can:

1. Say the French word "je" or "euuuh" and notice that your lips are pursed when you do so.
2. Keep the same mouth position but purse your lips a bit less, then add the "y" sound at the end.

Hope this helps!

Note: until March 15th, I'm reworking a few things behind the scenes so I can write more article-lessons and help you learn better. In the meantime, I won't be able to release new workshops. However I'm still here and will be extra responsive to your questions. If you've already worked through all the existing workshops and want more before then, do reply and let me know.

And in case you missed it, you'll find Ear Training Workshop #033 in the list linked above.

As always, merci for your interest in my language.
Valentin