Accent circonflexe made simple

Accent circonflexe made simple

If you've ever been puzzled by that little 'hat' on French vowels – l'accent circonflexe – you're not alone! It can seem tricky or even just something to learn later.

It can make a difference in pronunciation and meaning. 

If you're curious to see it explained clearly and simply, even if you're unsure if you need it, hop into the mini lesson!

In this mini-lesson, you’ll learn:

•  Ever wondered why that "hat" is there?

•  Curious how it changes the pronunciation?

•  Want to learn how it reveals hidden history in French words? 

Let’s dive in…

Why is there  "hat" ?

The French language had a dramatic change in its history. Indeed, many words dropped their “s” and put the circumflex accent instead. This accent looks like a hat.

Here’s some examples for you:

• “ hôpital” >>> hospital
• “ pâté” >>> paste

• “ forêt” >>> forest

Note that these words are very similar in English which has kept the letter “s”.

• “ côte” >>> coast

• “ fenêtre” >>> window

• “ tête” >>> head

• “ bête” >>> beast

When the accent implies another meaning.

Another reason why we do need the circumflex is to distinguish two French words. Let’s play with examples:

• “ mûr” >>> blackberry 
• “ mur” >>> wall

• “ dû” >>> owed
• “ du” >>> some / from

• “ sûr” >>> sure
• “ sur” >>> on

When the accent changes pronunciation.

For some words, the circumflex means that the vowel will be a bit longer.  Again, the purpose is to distinguish the words because even if the spelling is different, if you don’t pronounce them correctly, they will be the same!

For instance:

• “ pâte” >>> dough
• “ patte” >>> paw 

• “ hôte” >>> host
• “ hotte” >>> cooker hood

Why the accent circonflexe does exist.

In this lesson, we have seen that this accent is present because there used to be a “s”, because it distinguishes 2 words with the same spelling and because the vowel is longer with it.