Semi-vowels
They are called semi-vowels or semi-consonants. They are more closed than vowels, but they are not obstructed or as closed as consonants. Semi-consonants cannot form a syllable on their own. They are always followed by a vowel.
There are three semi-vowels or semi-consonants in French: [j] [ɥ] and [w].
| Obstacle in the mouth | |
| Plosive | Complete |
| Fricative consonant | Strong |
| Liquid consonant | Moderate sound |
| Semi vowel | Light |
| Vowel | None |
Le son [w]
Articulation : posterior, rounded, open and oral.
Most common spelling:
- oi : loi [lwa]
- oî : boîte [bwat]
- oy : voyelle [vwajɛl]
- oe : moelle [mwal]
- oê : poêle [pwal]
- w : week end [wikɛnd]
- ou+vowel : jouer [ʒwe]
Le son [j]
Articulation : anterior, spread, oral (like i) but very very closed.
Most common spelling:
- y : ayant [ejɑ̃]
- il : travail [tʁavaj]
- ill : bailler [baje]
- i+vowel : piano [pjano]
Le son [ɥ]
Articulation : anterior, rounded, oral (like u) but very very closed.
Most common spelling:
- u+vowel : huit [ɥit]