pronunciation of monsieur

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   The way the French word 'monsieur' is spoken, either in French or in English.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase when talking about how the word sounds: 'the pronunciation of monsieur is tricky.'

   Patterns

   • the pronunciation of monsieur
   • how do you pronounce monsieur
   • the correct pronunciation of monsieur

   The pronunciation of monsieur trips up many learners because so many letters are silent.

   She asked her teacher about the pronunciation of monsieur before her trip to Paris.

   In English the pronunciation of monsieur is usually 'muh-SYUR', not 'mon-sewer'.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   A polite French title for a man, roughly equal to English 'Mr' or 'sir'.

   Grammar: In English it is used as a title before a name or alone when speaking to a French man; the plural is messieurs.

   Patterns

   • Monsieur + surname
   • say monsieur to someone
   • yes, monsieur

   Monsieur Dupont will see you now.

   The waiter greeted him with a polite 'Bonjour, monsieur.'

   Two messieurs were waiting at the front desk.

Word forms

Common combinations

the pronunciation of monsieur

The pronunciation of monsieur is hard to guess from the spelling.

how to pronounce monsieur

The guide explains how to pronounce monsieur correctly.

the correct pronunciation of monsieur

Listen to the audio for the correct pronunciation of monsieur.

a guide to the pronunciation of monsieur

She found a short guide to the pronunciation of monsieur online.

practise the pronunciation of monsieur

He practised the pronunciation of monsieur until it sounded natural.

Synonyms and how they differ

Mr

The ordinary English title for a man; use it in English speech, and keep monsieur for French names or French settings.

sir

A polite way to address a man directly; monsieur does the same job in French.

Word family

madame noun

The matching French title for a woman.

mademoiselle noun

An older French title for an unmarried woman.

Commonly confused: pronunciation of monsieur or monsignor?

Practice

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