How to pronounce maintenant

Do you find the information below useful? If you do, you can get guides like it for 1,000+ French words by downloading this app for your iPhone or iPad.

m		The French 'm' sound is pronounced in a similar way to English 'm'. Just remember that the letter "m" at the end of a word or before another consonant doesn't represent an 'm' sound as such in French, but rather that the previous vowel is nasalized.
æ̃		This vowel is pronounced with the tongue and mouth in a similar position to the 'a' of English "am". The vowel is nasalized: air escapes through the nose as well as the mouth.
t		The French 't' is pronounced like an English 't' after a 'th' sound (as in "with two"). Your tongue touches the back of the teeth. Also try to avoid a "strong burst of air" (aspiration) as in English. If you are a native English speaker, repeat the word "tool" then "stool" with your hand in front of your mouth. In "tool", you'll feel a stronger burst of air than in "stool". In French, pronounce the 't' as in English "stool", without the strong burst of air.
n		The French 'n' sound is similar to the 'n' of English "tenth", i.e. pronounced with the tip of the tongue touching the upper teeth.
ɑ̃		This vowel is pronounced with the mouth relatively wide open and the tongue quite far towards the back of the mouth (similar to many English speakers' pronunciation of the word "are"). The vowel is nasalized: air escapes through the nose as well as the mouth.