In the audio for Ils ont honte de leur notes. I can’t hear ont and honte as separate words. Are they pronounced the same?

Heather W.C1Kwiziq community member

In the audio for Ils ont honte de leur notes. I can’t hear ont and honte as separate words. Are they pronounced the same?

Asked 5 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Heather !

Indeed, the difference between "ont"and "honte" here is very faint, due to the presence of "de" after "honte", making the [t] and [d] sounds kind of merge with each other, which is tricky for non-native ears :)

I've now changed the audio to a slightly more articulate voice, and I think the [t] sounds more acute, but be aware that this "merging" would definitely occur in natural speech :)

Hope that's helpful!
Bonne journée !

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Heather, 

The -t is there but maybe a bit faint, will ask Aurélie to re-record when she has a moment...

patricia r.A2Kwiziq community member

I had the same problem

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Patricia, 

I have checked the new recording and it is very clear now .

Maybe the problem comes from ‘ Ils ont’ which is pronounced ‘Ilzont ‘ and  ‘honte’ which is sounded onte’  without the -h ? 

In the audio for Ils ont honte de leur notes. I can’t hear ont and honte as separate words. Are they pronounced the same?

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