Although sounds such as j and w are very common, French is nontheless
unusual for having three contrasting central approximants.
The two rounded ones, ɥ and w, can be seen as a form of double articulation (labial-palatal
and labial velar).
All three can be related to a corresponding high vowel: j, ɥ, w correspond to i, y, u, respectively.
palatal |
labial-palatal |
labial-velar |
|---|---|---|
| S
"his/hers"
| S
"grease on whool"
| S
"care"
|
(See SoWL for similar examples.)