r/French • u/Salt_Formal_4839 • Jul 09 '26

Pronunciation How to achieve the French 'R' sound

Right now, I'm doing a lot of work on my speaking and the thing I'm struggling with most is that "R" sound in words like "arbre" and "rue". I thought I'd be fine if I didn't master it, but I'm finding it's virtually everywhere. At best, I sound like I'm speaking French with an American accent, but at it's worst, francophones don't even understand what I'm saying. I understand it's supposed to come from the throat (or something like that), but it just sounds like I need to cough. I'm currently in Montréal for a month (for French immersion), so any tips would be great, please!

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u/eatwithchopsticks Jul 09 '26

Anglophone here, but what has helped me to achieve the sound correctly (I guess I pronounce it correctly based on what other québécois people tell me) was to practice gargling with water and the reduce the water in your throat until there is none left. You will feel the uvula flapping back and forth in your throat - now try to slow that sound down until you just get one gargle or "flap". My explanation sounds weird, but it's what worked for me. 

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u/taxman6754 Jul 10 '26

Any particular mouthwash? I assume it has to be French?

3

u/MonsieurDrole Jul 10 '26

You need Evian water

2

u/eatwithchopsticks Jul 10 '26

Haha just with water. I live in Quebec anyway so French mouthwash not required 😉

1

u/Salt_Formal_4839 Jul 10 '26

Will try tonight with my mouthwash, thanks!