Final -n

Final N

Level 1

The n stays in the spelling, and in Languedocien it is usually silent.

How It Works

The classical spelling keeps the final n because it is part of the word in every variety, and some varieties do pronounce it. In Languedocien it is usually not pronounced.

WrittenMeaning
panbread
vinwine
bongood
planvery, well
jornday

Write the n anyway. It is also written in the verb endings -an and -on: parlan (they speak), vendon (they sell), van (they go).

If you know Catalan, note that Occitan writes pan where Catalan writes pa.

The same holds for the plural: pans and vins keep the n in front of the s. When you learn a new word, learn its spelling with its meaning, because the sound will not show the final n.

Examples (5)

  1. pan

    bread

    The n is always written.

  2. vin

    wine

    The n is written even where it is silent.

  3. bonjorn

    hello

    The final n of jorn is written.

  4. Plan, mercé.

    Well, thank you.

    Plan keeps its n.

  5. Parlan occitan.

    They speak Occitan.

    The verb ending -an keeps its n.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving out a final n because it is silent.

    bonjor
    bonjorn

    The n is part of the spelling even when you do not hear it.

  • Writing the word the Catalan way.

    pa
    pan

    Catalan drops the n in writing. Occitan keeps it.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Final -nLevel 1Final N

Learn This First

A final n is written but not said, so the alphabet and the idea of classical spelling come first.