Day 3: [s] vs. [z]

Welcome to Day 3 of the French Pronunciation Bootcamp!

Today, we’re working on the final tricky sound pair: [s] vs. [z] (like in tresse vs. treize). These two sounds are often confused, but mastering them will help your French sound much clearer!

What You’ll Learn Today:

✔️ Hear the difference between [s] and [z]
✔️ Recognize them in words through an audio quiz
✔️ Learn how to pronounce them correctly
✔️ Practice them in full sentences

Step 1: Hear the Difference

🎥 Watch the video below to train your ear to hear the difference between [s] and [z].

📌 Replay the video as many times as needed before moving on.

Step 2: Audio Quiz

Time to test your listening skills! Play each audio clip and choose the correct word.

📌 Try to get all answers correct before moving on.

Step 3: Learn to Pronounce

🎥 Watch this video to learn how to correctly pronounce [s] and [z], focusing on tongue and airflow.

📌 Practice saying the words out loud along with the video.

Step 4: Speaking Practice

Now let’s put these sounds into real sentences.

How to Practice:

1. Listen to the sentence.

2. Repeat it out loud, focusing on the target sounds.

3. Record yourself and compare it to the original.

4. Adjust if needed, and repeat!

Practice Sentences:

• Mon cousin Sam passe ses vacances en Suisse. (My cousin Sam spends his vacation in Switzerland.)

• Ce vase est en céramique. (This vase is made of ceramic.)

• Il pose trois assiettes sur la table. (He places three plates on the table.)

• Zoé bronze sous un parasol. (Zoé tans under a parasol.)

• Sophie a réservé une croisière pour samedi. (Sophie booked a cruise for Saturday.)

• Ma voisine arrose ses plantes sur la terrasse. (My neighbor waters her plants on the terrace.)

• Je choisis une chemise rose pour ce soir. (I choose a pink shirt for tonight.)

📌 Goal: Repeat each sentence at least 3 times until you feel comfortable.

You Did It! 🎉 You’ve Completed the Bootcamp!

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