The ULTIMATE French Pronunciation Podcast / How we ACTUALLY say ”ILS” and ”ELLES”?

EPISODE 6:

Welcome back! In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up our series on pronouns with "ils" and "elles." These pronouns may seem simple, but their pronunciation rules and cultural significance can be tricky.

We’ll explore how to use "ils" and "elles" correctly, focusing on pronunciation and the liaison. We’ll also discuss cultural contexts, such as how "ils" is used for mixed-gender groups.

Pronunciation of "ils" and "elles"

We’ll explain how "ils" and "elles" change depending on whether the next word starts with a vowel or consonant, and how this triggers the "Z" sound in liaisons.

"Ils" (Masculine):

• With a vowel (Liaison): "Ils ont une maison" → [ilz-ont].
• Without a vowel (No liaison): "Ils prennent le bus" → [il prennent].

"Elles" (Feminine):

• With a vowel (Liaison): "Elles avaient un chien" → [el zavaient].
• Without a vowel (No liaison): "Elles sont prêtes" → [el sont].

Cultural Context of "Ils" and "Elles"

We’ll explain how "ils" is used for mixed-gender groups, even with one man, like in:
"Il y a 100 femmes et un homme" → "Ils sont là".
"Elles" is used only for all-female groups.

Questions, Negatives, and Past Tense

Short Questions

We’ll show how "ils" and "elles" are used in formal and informal speech.

Masculine (Ils):

• "Ils viennent ce soir?"
• Past Tense: "Est-ce qu'ils ont tout mangé?" → [es-keelz ont].

Feminine (Elles):

• "Elles viennent demain?"
• Past Tense: "Est-ce qu'elles ont déjà mangé?" → [es-kelz ont].

Negatives in Casual Speech

We’ll see how dropping the "ne" affects the liaison.

Masculine (Ils):

• Formal: "Ils ne vont pas au marché".
• Informal: "Ils vont pas au marché" → [ilz vont pas].

Feminine (Elles):

• Formal: "Elles n’ont pas fini".
• Informal: "Elles ont pas fini" → [elz ont pas].

Past Tense

In the past tense, verbs starting with vowels often require liaisons.

Masculine (Ils):

• "Ils ont travaillé" → [ilz ont].
• "Ils avaient une idée" → [il zavaient].

Feminine (Elles):

• "Elles ont acheté une voiture" → [el zont acheté].

The Formality Paradox

We’ll discuss how formal speech often omits liaisons. For example:

• No Liaison: "Qu'ont-ils fait?"
• Liaison: "Qu'est-ce qu'ils ont fait?"

The Z-Sound Paradox

We’ll show how missing the liaison can create misunderstandings, like:

• "Ils ont" (They have) vs. "Il a" (He has).

Listening Practice

We’ll wrap up with examples for practice.

Masculine Examples:

• "Ils en avaient marre."
• "Ils ont déjà regardé ce film."

Feminine Examples:

• "Elles n’arrivent pas à courir."
• "Elles n’ont pas encore mangé."

Developing Intuition in French

We’ll explain how your ear can naturally develop to recognize when a liaison feels right. For example:

• Incorrect: "Il on" vs. Correct: "Ils ont."

For more information, feel free to reach out on Instag