Hi...I am absolutely new to French...just started the first lesson today. I am facing trouble pronouncing the 'R' in French in words like Merci. I can't seem to get the 'ch' sound in conjunction with the 'R'. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get around this?
Pronounce "R" in French

dd54
January 5, 2010

merryjack
January 5, 2010
hello i am new to french and have the same trouble, i have tried by placing my tongue on the front of my bottom teeth, tres difficile.

Marie-Claire-Riviere
January 5, 2010
Bonjour tout le monde!
Unfortunately in English there is no sound similar to the French R.
It's a kind of raspy sound that is pronounced in the back of the throat.
It's probably the hardest part to learn at the beginning.
Listen the audio and repeat the words are definitely the keys.
All the best for your French learning!
À bientôt !!

ErikII
January 14, 2010
It is so hard to explain in words how to pronounce that r. But it is something that if you listen to French speakers enough, and you go ahead and be willing to mess up.. Like a lot. Then it will come. The Audio is the key. Erik