French · Difficult words
How to pronounce dix-huit in French
dix-huit
Eighteen
French of France · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
dix-huit is pronounced /di.z‿ɥit/ in French. In dix-huit: Move quickly from a rounded front-vowel position into the next vowel. This is a glide, not a separate full syllable. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in dix-huit
Read dix-huit in these IPA segments: di · z‿ɥit. Dots and stress marks identify the boundaries shown in the reference; these symbols are not English spelling. French prominence belongs to the spoken phrase. Do not impose a heavy English-style stress on every isolated word.
1.The rounded glide /ɥ/
In dix-huit: Move quickly from a rounded front-vowel position into the next vowel. This is a glide, not a separate full syllable.
Watch out: Do not replace it with an ordinary English w.
2.Front-vowel position
In dix-huit: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.
Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.
Hear it in context
J'ai dix-huit ans depuis juin.
I've been eighteen since June.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
dix-huit is presented using French of France. Regional accents and connected speech can change details. The isolated word and the example let you compare the dictionary form with a short spoken context.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about dix-huit
How do you pronounce dix-huit?
dix-huit is pronounced /di.z‿ɥit/ in French. In dix-huit: Move quickly from a rounded front-vowel position into the next vowel. This is a glide, not a separate full syllable. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In dix-huit: Move quickly from a rounded front-vowel position into the next vowel. This is a glide, not a separate full syllable. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
