How to Pronounce the French X

Generally, the letter x is used in one of two ways in French: by itself or in combination with c (xc). X: Soft Pronunciation The x is pronounced like the x in the English word fix [ks] in two locations: 1) in front of a  consonant  or 2) at the end of a word or syllable.  Listen   Examples: the letter xune experience experience, experimentla taxe tax Exception:  The x at the end of French  numbers such as  six  and  dix  is pronounced like an S. X: Hard Pronunciation Between two vowels in two different syllables, the x is pronounced [gz] as in exit. ListenException:  The x in  xà ©rà ¨s  is pronounced [gz]. Examples:   le xylophone xylophoneexact exact, correct Liaison  or  Enchaà ®nement In  pronunciations that involve  liaison  or  enchaà ®nement, x is pronounced like a z. XC: Soft Pronunciation In front of a  soft vowel xc is pronounced [ks], like the soft x  pronunciation in which the c is essentially silent. Listen to  excentrà ©. Examples: excellent excellentexcentrà © outlying XC: Hard Pronunciation In front of a hard vowel or a  consonant,  xc is pronounced [ksk], like the soft x plus a hard c. Essentially, they are pronounced individually according to their traditional rules. Listen to  express.   Examples:   excusez-moi excuse meexclamation exclamationexpress espresso