French · Difficult words
How to pronounce intelligent in French
intelligent
Smart
French of France · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
intelligent is pronounced /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/ in French. In intelligent: The final written t is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in intelligent
Read intelligent in these IPA segments: ɛ̃ · tɛ · li · ʒɑ̃. 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 t
In intelligent: The final written t is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/.
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 intelligent: 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.The open /ɛ/ vowel
In intelligent: Keep the vowel open, like the vowel in many pronunciations of English “bed”, without a final glide.
Watch out: Avoid turning this vowel into English “ay”.
4.Front-vowel position
In intelligent: 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
Tu es vraiment intelligent, dis donc.
You're really smart, wow.
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
intelligent 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 intelligent
How do you pronounce intelligent?
intelligent is pronounced /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/ in French. In intelligent: The final written t is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In intelligent: The final written t is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
