Pronunciation: the forbidden “e”

The letter "e” is very unstable. Depending on its position in the word or in the group, it is pronounced or not.
In some cases its pronunciation is compulsory, optional, or prohibited.

At the beginner level, we focus on the forbidden "e”.
•     Before a verb starting with a vowel, the "e” of "je” is removed. We write "j’”: "J’ai”.
•    At the end of the group of words: "La carte”, "Qu’est-ce/que tu prends? ”
•    Within the group, before a word starting with a vowel: "Une entrée”, "salade italienne”.

Combined with a consonant, the letter "e” produces different vowel sounds:
 

e + consonant at the end of a syllable: /ɛ/		Audio file play stop mute max volume     repeat   Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version.	→  "merci”
e + "t” at the end of a word: /e/ ou /ɛ/	Audio file play stop mute max volume     repeat   Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version.	Audio file play stop mute max volume     repeat   Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version.	→  "le poulet”
e + "z” at the end of a verb: /e/	Audio file play stop mute max volume     repeat   Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version.		→  "vous avez”, "vous allez”

 

In the combination "eur”, "eu” is pronounced /œ/

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→  "le serveur”

 

BE CAREFUL: the final letter "é” is pronounced /e/

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→  "Désolé”