Silent "H" in French as opposed to "H" that is pronounced.

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Silent "H" in French as opposed to "H" that is pronounced.

In the short video, the examples of a "le haricot" as an aspirated "H" and "l'hotel" as a silent "H" are given. I really cannot hear a difference. It seems to me that "Haricot" is pronounced as "aricot" without an unaspirated "H". The same for "La hache".  At least, they are not pronounced as we pronounce an "H" in the English "Help" for example. So, that's what I am asking for, some "Help".

Asked 2 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

There is no difference in (non-) pronunciation of h aspiré or h muet specifically, in French. It is a ‘grammatical’ difference with h muet treated as if it is not there or as if it is a vowel, while h aspiré is treated as a consonant. 

See links : 

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/pronunciation/h-aspire/

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/?s=H+muet

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Merci beaucoup! This is very helpful, in particular the first link with the list.  It is actually a relief to know that I was heaing the words correctly and that it is just a matter of learning which words begin with an "H" muet, or an "H" aspire.

Silent "H" in French as opposed to "H" that is pronounced.

In the short video, the examples of a "le haricot" as an aspirated "H" and "l'hotel" as a silent "H" are given. I really cannot hear a difference. It seems to me that "Haricot" is pronounced as "aricot" without an unaspirated "H". The same for "La hache".  At least, they are not pronounced as we pronounce an "H" in the English "Help" for example. So, that's what I am asking for, some "Help".

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