French · Everyday expressions
How to pronounce félicitations in French
félicitations
Congratulations!
French of France · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
félicitations is pronounced /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/ in French. In félicitations: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in félicitations
Read félicitations in these IPA segments: fe · li · si · ta · sjɔ̃. 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 final written s
In félicitations: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/.
Watch out: Connected speech can differ, especially where liaison is possible. Do not generalize this word’s ending to every French word.
2.Nasal vowels
In félicitations: Let some air pass through the nose while keeping the vowel continuous. The tilde /̃/ marks nasalization.
Watch out: Do not automatically add a separate n or m after the nasal vowel.
3.A steady /e/ vowel
In félicitations: Keep /e/ steady from beginning to end. Listen for a clear vowel without the movement at the end of English “day”.
Watch out: The English-style “ay” respelling is only a guide; avoid its final y-like glide.
4.The open /ɔ/ vowel
In félicitations: Round the lips and keep a relatively open jaw. Sustain one vowel rather than moving toward a w sound.
Watch out: English “oh” often moves during the vowel; follow the steadier sound in the recording.
Hear it in context
Félicitations, tu as réussi !
Congratulations, you passed!
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
félicitations 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 félicitations
How do you pronounce félicitations?
félicitations is pronounced /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/ in French. In félicitations: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In félicitations: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
