The French U

/y/

Accent-Specific Coaching

For American Speakers

Say ‘ee’ as in ‘see.’ Keep your tongue exactly where it is. Now round your lips into an ‘oo’ shape. Don’t move the tongue. That’s the French U.

For British Speakers

Say ‘ee’ as in ‘see.’ Keep your tongue exactly where it is. Now round your lips into an ‘oo’ shape. Don’t move the tongue. That’s the French U.

For Australian / NZ Speakers

Say ‘ee’ as in ‘see.’ Keep your tongue exactly where it is. Now round your lips into an ‘oo’ shape. Don’t move the tongue. That’s the French U.

For Irish Speakers

Say ‘ee’ as in ‘see.’ Keep your tongue exactly where it is. Now round your lips into an ‘oo’ shape. Don’t move the tongue. That’s the French U.

For Scottish Speakers

Say ‘ee’ as in ‘see.’ Keep your tongue exactly where it is. Now round your lips into an ‘oo’ shape. Good news: your Scottish ‘oo’ in ‘goose’ is already more fronted than most English accents — you’re closer than you think.

For Indian Speakers

Say 'ee' as in 'see.' Keep your tongue exactly where it is. Now round your lips into an 'oo' shape. Don't move the tongue. Your Hindi vowel sounds are in a similar position — you're closer than you think.

For South African Speakers

Say 'ee' as in 'see.' Keep your tongue where it is. Now round your lips into a tight 'oo' shape. Your South African 'oo' is already more fronted than American — use that.

For Nigerian / W. African Speakers

Say 'ee' as in 'see.' Keep your tongue exactly there. Now round your lips into an 'oo' shape without moving the tongue. Your clear vowel production helps here.