ils sont and ils ont sounds really similar to me. How can I tell them apart?
Bon soir, Miche. Right you are; they seem close at FIRST.
Ils sont = note the double s and you will hear the sibilant S.
Ils ont = here you will hear a "Z" sound!
Voilà la difference!
Mme
P.S. Miche = I hope you saw what I posted yesterday about "C'est délicieux, etc.?"
Mme
Yes I did. Thanks.
To differentiate between "ils sont" and "ils ont" in spoken French, it is important to pay attention to the context and pronunciation. Here are some tips on how to tell them apart:
1. Context: Consider the words that come before and after "ils sont" or "ils ont" in the sentence. This will provide clues as to whether the verb "être" (to be) or the verb "avoir" (to have) is more appropriate.
2. Pronunciation: Though "ils sont" and "ils ont" may sound similar, there are subtle differences in pronunciation:
- "Ils sont": The word "sont" is pronounced with a nasalized 'o' sound (/sɔ̃/). The nasalized 'o' sound is similar to the 'o' sound in the English word "on." For example, "Ils sont bons" (They are good) is pronounced as "eel sohn bōn."
- "Ils ont": The word "ont" is pronounced with a rounded 'o' sound (/ɔ̃/), similar to the 'o' sound in the English word "song." For example, "Ils ont une voiture" (They have a car) is pronounced as "eel ohn oon vwahtoor."
By paying attention to the context and pronunciation, you will be able to distinguish between "ils sont" (they are) and "ils ont" (they have) in spoken French.