French · Difficult words
How to pronounce là-bas in French
là-bas
There
French of France · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
là-bas is pronounced /la.ba/ in French. In là-bas: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /la.ba/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in là-bas
Read là-bas in these IPA segments: la · ba. 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 là-bas: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /la.ba/.
Watch out: Connected speech can differ, especially where liaison is possible. Do not generalize this word’s ending to every French word.
2.An open vowel
In là-bas: Open the jaw for the a-like vowel shown in the IPA. Keep it continuous and follow the recording’s tongue position.
Watch out: Do not substitute the English diphthong in “day”.
Hear it in context
Le cinéma est là-bas, après le pont.
The cinema is over there, after the bridge.
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
là-bas 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 là-bas
How do you pronounce là-bas?
là-bas is pronounced /la.ba/ in French. In là-bas: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /la.ba/. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In là-bas: The final written s is not sounded in this isolated-word reference. Finish with the last sound shown in /la.ba/. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
