The name Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, might seem daunting to pronounce at first glance. But with a little guidance, you'll be saying it like a native speaker in no time! This guide breaks down the pronunciation, syllable by syllable.
Breaking Down the Name
Let's tackle each part individually:
Antoine (ɑ̃.twan)
- An-: Pronounced like the English "on" in "John," but slightly shorter.
- -toine: The "toi" sounds like "twah" in "twaddle," and the "ne" is a nasal sound, similar to the "in" in "pin," but with the air flowing out through your nose. The final "e" is silent.
Putting it together: The emphasis is on the second syllable: An-TWAHN.
de (də)
This is a simple French preposition meaning "of." It's pronounced like the English word "duh," but very quickly and subtly.
Saint-Exupéry (sɛ̃.ɛɡzypɛ.ʁi)
This is the more challenging part. Let's break it down further:
- Saint-: Pronounced "san," like "saint" in English, but shorter.
- -Exu-: The "Ex" sounds like "ex" in "exit," but with a slight French lilt. The "u" is a short "oo" sound like in "book".
- -pér-: Pronounced "pair," like the English word "pair."
- -y: This is a silent "y".
Putting it together: San-ex-oo-PAIR-ee. The emphasis is on the "pair" syllable.
Putting it all together: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (ɑ̃.twan də sɛ̃.ɛɡzypɛ.ʁi)
The complete pronunciation, when said smoothly, sounds something like: AHN-twahn duh SAN-ex-oo-PAIR-ee.
Remember to emphasize the stressed syllables and pay attention to the nasal sounds. Practice saying each part separately before combining them. It may take a few tries, but with practice, you'll master it!
Tips for Pronunciation
- Listen to Audio: Searching for "Antoine de Saint-Exupéry pronunciation" on YouTube or other audio resources will provide excellent auditory examples. Mimicking native speakers is crucial.
- Focus on Nasal Sounds: French uses many nasal sounds which might be unfamiliar to English speakers. Pay close attention to the nasal "n" sounds.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your pronunciation. Try saying the name aloud several times a day.
- Record Yourself: Recording your pronunciation helps identify areas for improvement.
Mastering the pronunciation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry shows respect for the author and adds a touch of elegance to your conversations. So, practice, listen, and soon you'll be confidently saying his name!
