Why is it le hautbois instead of l'hautbois?

JaGGaC1Kwiziq community member

Why is it le hautbois instead of l'hautbois?

Is this an exception to the "h" rule that "le hautbois / du hautbois" is not "l'hautbois / de l'hautbois"?

Asked 3 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Le hautbois starts with an aspirated "h" (h aspiré). Contrary to the silent "h" (h muet), they don't contract and are considered a consonant. Here is more on this topic: https://www.lawlessfrench.com/pronunciation/h-aspire/

 

JaGGa asked:View original

Why is it le hautbois instead of l'hautbois?

Is this an exception to the "h" rule that "le hautbois / du hautbois" is not "l'hautbois / de l'hautbois"?

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