Answers
Nov 16, 2014 - 11:00 AM
Indeed, the T is pronounced in "Au fait", although I don't think this is mandatory. This is an exception that also applies to "En fait" (meaning "actually" or "as a matter of fact").
Nov 17, 2014 - 09:51 AM
I see the same thing in French when it comes to village names. Some people will pronounce the T in "Peret" for example, or "Onet Le Chateau", but others don't. It's more of a regional thing.
Nov 18, 2014 - 04:51 PM
As a native Parisian I pronounce the final T.
Nov 23, 2014 - 06:14 PM
Pronounce it if it is a noun but not if it is a verb.
Jan 24, 2015 - 04:30 PM
Allen, That sounded like a fine rule, but after thinking about it, i still don't get it??? How about lait or desert? The T is not pronounced with these nouns??? I get Fabrice's answer (which does not give me satisfaction) that that's how they say it in Paris. Was hoping to have a rule like yours to apply.
Jan 24, 2015 - 04:53 PM
I found this by a guy named Gérard M. Hope it helps.
In "en fait", we pronounce the ending "t" (some people in some regions don't pronounce it)
In "au fait", we pronounce the ending "t" (the expression is usually followed by a comma).
In "au fait", "fait" can be in the expression "au fait," or can be the normal masculine word "un fait" (like in "était-il au fait que sa femme...") following the particle "au".
Regarding the word "fait" -
I don't want to be too long and too confusing but I would add:
-1- don't worry as it's pronounced a bit diferently according to the region (Parisians tend to swallow the end of the words, Provençaux tend to exaggerate it).
-2- when "fait" is an adjective (the past participle of "faire"), the "t" is not pronounced for the masculine form but it is for the feminine "faite"
Examples: "un mur fait de pierres", "elle n'est pas faite pour ce métier"
-3- when "fait" is a noun, things vary
Example before a vowel: "le fait est là" - we pronounce the "t" mainly due to the liaison
Example before a consonant: "le fait d'être heureux" - we don't pronounce the "t" or very slightly and in French, we don't like to distort (right verb??) our mouth so that when we have "t d", we swallow the "t" and one can only hear that the diphtong "ai" (of fait) is open
Example with a plural: "le film part de faits réels" - we don't pronounce the "t" (not even in Provence -so I think).
I must add that I'm living in Paris (but I was born in the south east of France).
HTH
Last edited by GerardM; 14th July 2009 at 4:28 PM.
In "en fait", we pronounce the ending "t" (some people in some regions don't pronounce it)
In "au fait", we pronounce the ending "t" (the expression is usually followed by a comma).
In "au fait", "fait" can be in the expression "au fait," or can be the normal masculine word "un fait" (like in "était-il au fait que sa femme...") following the particle "au".
Regarding the word "fait" -
I don't want to be too long and too confusing but I would add:
-1- don't worry as it's pronounced a bit diferently according to the region (Parisians tend to swallow the end of the words, Provençaux tend to exaggerate it).
-2- when "fait" is an adjective (the past participle of "faire"), the "t" is not pronounced for the masculine form but it is for the feminine "faite"
Examples: "un mur fait de pierres", "elle n'est pas faite pour ce métier"
-3- when "fait" is a noun, things vary
Example before a vowel: "le fait est là" - we pronounce the "t" mainly due to the liaison
Example before a consonant: "le fait d'être heureux" - we don't pronounce the "t" or very slightly and in French, we don't like to distort (right verb??) our mouth so that when we have "t d", we swallow the "t" and one can only hear that the diphtong "ai" (of fait) is open
Example with a plural: "le film part de faits réels" - we don't pronounce the "t" (not even in Provence -so I think).
I must add that I'm living in Paris (but I was born in the south east of France).
HTH
Last edited by GerardM; 14th July 2009 at 4:28 PM.
Jan 24, 2015 - 05:41 PM
That's very good, thanks Eric. I agree with all statements.
Jan 24, 2015 - 06:32 PM
You're welcome.
Jan 24, 2015 - 06:58 PM
Yes, thanks Eric. I appreciate the effort you put into answering the question.