The French “R” is one of the trickiest sounds for many learners, especially English speakers.
It doesn’t exist in English, and it’s made in a completely different part of the mouth.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be born in France to pronounce it!
You just need to find where the sound comes from and train your throat, step by step.
1️⃣ The French “R” vs. the English “R”
In English, the “R” comes from the front of your mouth.
👉 Your tongue moves up and curls slightly back.
In French, the “R” comes from the back of your throat.
👉 Your tongue stays low and relaxed. The sound comes from air vibrating at the back of your throat, not from your tongue.
You can imagine the sound as a soft lion’s growl — rrr… — deep and smooth.
It’s not about strength; it’s about feeling the vibration inside your throat.
Try this:
Put your hand on your throat and say softly:
rrrrr…
You should feel a small vibration, not a push or a scratch.
That’s where your French “R” lives.
2️⃣ Step-by-Step Practice
Let’s train your throat to make the sound naturally.
- Relax your tongue and mouth.
The tongue doesn’t move. It stays soft and low. - Take a slow breath out.
Let the air come from deep inside, not from your mouth, but from your chest. - Close your throat slightly.
Imagine you’re warming up your voice, or like a lion gently starting to growl. - Make a soft “rrrr” sound.
Don’t force it. The air should flow freely while your throat vibrates. - Add vowels:
ra – re – ri – ro – ru
Repeat several times, slowly, then faster.
💡 It’s not about volume. It’s about gentle vibration.
3️⃣ Easy Practice Words
Start with simple words:
rouge — Paris — très — regarder — arriver — frère — rire — rue — trois
Now, try to exaggerate the “R” a little:
rrrrouge, rrrrire, rrrrue
Then, say them normally.
💡 Tip: Don’t move your tongue! The sound should come from your throat, not your mouth.
When you feel more comfortable, try these slightly longer or more natural words:
travailler — apprendre — sourire — courir — préparer — reprendre — ouvrir — merci — parler — retrouver
You can also make short sentences with them:
Je prépare un repas.
Mon frère sourit.
Nous devons parler demain.
Il court dans la rue.
Repeat slowly at first, then more naturally. Focus on keeping the “R” soft and smooth.
4️⃣ Short Sentences to Practice
Once you’re comfortable, try these short phrases.
Say them slowly at first, then faster and more naturally:
Le roi rit dans la rue.
Trois frères regardent Paris.
Roger roule rapidement.
Record yourself and compare after a few tries. You’ll hear your progress.
5️⃣ Common Mistakes
❌ Using the English “R” : your tongue moves too much.
✅ Keep your tongue flat and let your throat do the work.
❌ Forcing the sound : it hurts or sounds like coughing.
✅ Relax! The sound should feel like a soft vibration, not a growl.
❌ Speaking too fast.
✅ Slow down. Focus on accuracy before speed.
In Short
The French “R” isn’t impossible, it’s just different.
It’s a sound made in your throat, not in your mouth.
With regular practice, just a few minutes a day, you’ll go from “rrrrgh” to a smooth, natural “rue, regard, Paris.”
And remember: even native speakers learned it as children. It’s just another muscle to train.
If you want to improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and confidence when speaking, my Phonetics and Intonation lessons are the perfect place to start.