Can you hear a difference in words like choisir in the imparfait vs present

French F.A2Kwiziq community member

Can you hear a difference in words like choisir in the imparfait vs present

I was just wondering if there is a way to hear the difference between choisissions and choisissons? or is it like there their and they're in english?

Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Yes there is a difference - listen for the sound which you might hear as something closer to “yon”. It can sometimes be subtle, a bit “swallowed” but it is there once your ear is trained. 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

There is a discernible difference hearing choisissons and choisissions

Sebastian S.A1Kwiziq community member

Yes, choisissions will have an "i" sound before the nasal "ons", but choisissons will only have the nasal sound "ons".

The "ions" sound at the end will sound similar to the "eon" sound in the English word "Neon". While the "ons" sound at the end will be more like the English word "On". Both of which will need to have a nasal sound at the end though, in order to sound correct in French. 

Hope this helps!

Can you hear a difference in words like choisir in the imparfait vs present

I was just wondering if there is a way to hear the difference between choisissions and choisissons? or is it like there their and they're in english?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!