Have you ever wondered how to pronounce “laissez les bon temps rouler”? It’s a French phrase that means “let the good times roll,” and it’s often used to describe the festive atmosphere of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. But how do you actually say it? Let’s break it down.
The first part of the phrase, “laissez,” is pronounced “leh-say.” The “s” at the end is silent, and the “ai” is pronounced like the “a” in “cat.” The second part of the phrase, “les bon temps rouler,” is pronounced “lay bon ton roo-lay.” The “s” in “les” is also silent, and the “on” in “bon” is pronounced like the “aw” in “law.” The “temps” is pronounced like the English word “temps,” and the “rouler” is pronounced like the English word “roller.”
Put it all together, and you have “leh-say lay bon ton roo-lay.” Now you can join in on the fun and say “laissez les bon temps rouler” like a true New Orleanian!
Origins and Meaning of the Phrase
The phrase “Laissez les bon temps rouler” is French for “Let the good times roll.” It originated in the late 1800s as the motto of the New Orleans Mardi Gras, a carnival celebration that takes place annually on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The phrase became popular in the United States in the early 1900s, when jazz musicians began using it as a title for songs and compositions.
The phrase “Laissez les bon temps rouler” is a celebration of life and the pursuit of happiness. It is a reminder to enjoy the good times while they last and not to let anything get in the way of having a good time. The phrase is often used in conjunction with music and dancing, and it is a popular expression at parties and celebrations.
Evolution of the Phrase
The phrase “Laissez les bon temps rouler” has evolved over time to include a variety of meanings and interpretations. For example, the phrase has been used to promote tourism in New Orleans and to celebrate the city’s unique culture and history. The phrase has also been used to promote social and political causes, such as the fight for civil rights and the promotion of peace and unity.
| Meaning | Context |
|---|---|
| Celebration of life | Parties and celebrations |
| Enjoyment of good times | Music and dancing |
| Promotion of tourism | New Orleans |
| Social and political causes | Civil rights, peace, and unity |
The French Pronunciation
Let’s start with the French pronunciation of “Laissez les bons temps rouler”:
“`
| French Spelling | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| Laissez | [lɛ.sɛ] |
| les | [le] |
| bons | [bɔ̃] |
| temps | [tɑ̃] |
| rouler | [ʁu.le] |
“`
Here’s a breakdown of each sound:
- L: Pronounced with the tip of your tongue against the back of your teeth, like in the English word “let”.
- A: Pronounced like the “a” in “apple” or “car”.
- I: Pronounced like the “i” in “machine” or “sit”.
- E: Pronounced like the “e” in “bed” or “desk”.
- S: Pronounced like the “s” in “sure” or “pass”.
- B: Pronounced with your lips together, like in the English word “ball”.
- O: Pronounced like the “o” in “bone” or “home”.
- N: Pronounced with your tongue against the roof of your mouth, like in the English word “sing”.
- T: Pronounced with your tongue against the back of your teeth, like in the English word “top”.
- R: Pronounced with a trilled “r” sound, similar to the “r” in the Spanish word “perro”.
- U: Pronounced like the “u” in “flute” or “rule”.
- L: Pronounced with the tip of your tongue against the back of your teeth, like in the English word “let”.
- E: Pronounced like the “e” in “bed” or “desk”.
Anglicized Pronunciation Guide
For English-speakers, here’s a simplified pronunciation guide for the phrase:
| Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Laissez | LAY-say |
| Les | lay |
| Bon | bong |
| Temps | tom (rhymes with “home”) |
| Rouler | roo-lay |
Tips for Pronunciation
* Emphasize the first syllable in each word.
* Pronounce the “s” in “les” very softly, almost like “z.”
* Roll the “r” in “rouler” slightly.
* Don’t pronounce the final “r” in “temps.”
Breaking Down the Sounds
Let’s break down the pronunciation of “Laissez les bon temps rouler” into its individual sounds:
**1. Laissez:**
Laissez is pronounced as “lay-say”.
**2. Les:**
Les is pronounced as “lay”.
**3. Bon:**
Bon is pronounced as “bon”, with a slightly nasalized sound.
**4. Temps:**
Temps is the trickiest part to pronounce correctly. It’s pronounced as “ton” or “tawn”, but with a slight nasalized sound. The “m” sound is barely audible, making it almost sound like a “n” at the end. Here are some additional tips for pronouncing “temps”:
- Start by saying the word “ton” or “tawn”.
- Add a slight nasalization to the sound, as if you were humming through your nose.
- Pronounce the “m” sound very subtly, almost like it’s not there.
**5. Rouler:**
Rouler is pronounced as “roo-lay”.
| French Word | Pronounced As |
|---|---|
| Laissez | lay-say |
| Les | lay |
| Bon | bon |
| Temps | ton or tawn (with a slight nasalized sound) |
| Rouler | roo-lay |
Pronouncing Each Syllable
French pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers. “Laissez les bons temps rouler” is no exception, but with a little practice, you can master it. Let’s break down each syllable:
Laissez
The “lai” sound in “laissez” is similar to the “lay” sound in “lay” (past tense of “lie”). The “s” is silent, so the pronounciation is “lay-ay”.
Les
The “le” sound in “les” is similar to the “lay” sound in “lay” (past tense of “lie”), but it is shorter and has a slight “r” sound at the end. Think of it as “lay-er”.
Bons
The “bo” sound in “bons” is pronounced like the “bo” in “boat”. The “n” is nasalized, so the sound is “bohn.”
Temps
The “te” sound in “temps” is similar to the “tay” sound in “stay”. The “m” is pronounced weakly, almost like an “n”. The “ps” is pronounced like the “ps” in “lips”. So, the pronunciaition is “tay-n(p)s”.
Rouler
The “ro” sound in “rouler” is similar to the “ro” sound in “roll”. The “l” is pronounced clearly, and the “er” is pronounced like the “er” in “her”. So, the pronunciation is “ro-lay”.
Common Mispronunciations
The phrase “Laissez les bons temps rouler” is often mispronounced, especially by non-native French speakers. Here are some of the most common mispronunciations:
Incorrect Pronunciation 1
“Lay-zay leh bon ton roo-lay”: This is the most common mispronunciation, with the “z” in “Laissez” being pronounced as a “z” in English, and the “s” in “temps” being pronounced as a “z” in English.
Incorrect Pronunciation 2
“Lay-say les bon tan roo-lay”: This pronunciation is similar to the first one, but the “z” in “Laissez” is pronounced as a “s” in English.
Incorrect Pronunciation 3
“Lay-say lay bon tay roo-lay”: This pronunciation is similar to the first two, but the “s” in “temps” is pronounced as a “t” in English.
Incorrect Pronunciation 4
“Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay”: This pronunciation is similar to the first three, but the “z” in “Laissez” is pronounced as a “s” in English.
Incorrect Pronunciation 5
“Lay-say leh bon tan roo-lay”: This pronunciation is similar to the first four, but the “s” in “temps” is pronounced as a “z” in English.
Incorrect Pronunciation 6
“Lay-say les bon tan roo-lay”: This pronunciation is similar to the first five, but the “z” in “Laissez” is pronounced as a “s” in English, and the “s” in “temps” is pronounced as a “t” in English.
| Correct Pronunciation | Incorrect Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay | Lay-zay leh bon ton roo-lay |
| Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay | Lay-say les bon tan roo-lay |
| Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay | Lay-say lay bon tay roo-lay |
| Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay | Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay |
| Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay | Lay-say leh bon tan roo-lay |
| Lay-say lay bon tan roo-lay | Lay-say les bon tan roo-lay |
Tips for Correct Pronunciation
Here are some tips for correctly pronouncing “Laissez les bon temps rouler”:
1. Break it down into syllables
The word “Laissez” is pronounced “ley-say.” The word “les” is pronounced “lay.” The word “bon” is pronounced “bohn.” The word “temps” is pronounced “tohn.” The word “rouler” is pronounced “roo-lay.”
2. Pay attention to the silent letters
The letter “s” in “temps” is silent. The letter “r” in “rouler” is also silent.
3. Practice saying the phrase out loud
The best way to improve your pronunciation is to practice saying the phrase out loud. You can try saying it in a mirror so you can see how your mouth is moving.
4. Listen to native speakers
Listening to native speakers is a great way to learn how to pronounce a phrase correctly. You can find native speakers of French on YouTube, in movies, or even in person if you live in a French-speaking area.
5. Use a pronunciation dictionary
A pronunciation dictionary can be a helpful tool for learning how to pronounce a word correctly. There are many different pronunciation dictionaries available online and in libraries.
6. Be patient
Learning how to pronounce a new phrase takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing and you will eventually be able to pronounce “Laissez les bon temps rouler” like a native speaker.
7. Additional Tips for Pronouncing “Rouler”
The sound of “rouler” is difficult for some non-native speakers to produce. Here are some additional tips for pronouncing this sound:
- Make sure your lips are rounded and your tongue is slightly curled back.
- Start by saying the sound “oh,” then gradually transition to the sound of “oo.”
- Repeat this process until you can produce the sound of “rouler” smoothly
- Practice saying the word “rouler” by itself and in the context of the phrase “Laissez les bon temps rouler.”
Use in Context
The phrase “laissez les bon temps rouler” is often used in Louisiana to describe the state’s vibrant culture and love for celebration. It is commonly heard at festivals, parties, and other social gatherings.
Here are some examples of how the phrase is used in context:
– “Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras!”
– “Come to Louisiana and let the good times roll.”
– “We’re going to have a party tonight and let the good times roll.”
– “I’m so excited for the weekend. I’m going to let the good times roll.”
– “I’m having the time of my life here. Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
– “Let the good times roll and enjoy the rest of your stay in Louisiana.”
– “I’m all about letting the good times roll. Come join me and let’s have some fun.”
– “I can’t wait to go to the festival and let the good times roll.”
– “I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s let the good times roll and make some memories.”
– “I’m always up for a good time. Let’s let the good times roll and party all night.”
Cultural Significance
The phrase “Laissez les bons temps rouler” holds immense cultural significance in Louisiana, particularly during the vibrant Mardi Gras festival. Mardi Gras is a time of merriment, indulgence, and celebration, and this phrase serves as its unofficial mantra.
Its origins can be traced back to the late 1800s, when French-speaking Creole communities in New Orleans coined the phrase to encourage the revelers to let the good times roll. Over time, it has evolved into a universal expression of joy and exuberance that resonates far beyond Louisiana’s borders.
The phrase encapsulates the spirit and energy of Mardi Gras, inviting people to embrace the festivities, indulge in laughter, and dance the night away. It represents the essence of the event, where inhibitions are shed, and uninhibited spirits take over the streets.
Influences on Popular Culture
The phrase has gained widespread recognition beyond Louisiana, appearing in songs, movies, and television shows. It has also become a popular slogan emblazoned on T-shirts, souvenirs, and even restaurant menus, reflecting its cultural cachet.
Economic Impact
Mardi Gras, fueled by the “Laissez les bons temps rouler” spirit, contributes significantly to Louisiana’s economy. The festival attracts millions of visitors each year, generating revenue for businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The phrase has become synonymous with the economic vitality that Mardi Gras brings to the region.
Variations and Interpretations
The phrase has given rise to various interpretations and variations, reflecting its versatility and cultural significance. Some view it as a call to relaxation and indulgence, while others see it as an affirmation of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. The phrase has even been adopted by sports teams and political campaigns to convey a sense of camaraderie and resilience.
Pronunciation
Laissez les bon temps rouler is pronounced:
“LAY-zay lay bon ton roo-lay”
Fun Fact
The phrase “laissez les bon temps rouler” is often associated with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and is frequently used during the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration. It is a French phrase that means “let the good times roll.” Historically, the phrase was originally coined by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, a New Orleans aristocrat and politician, in the early 1830s. Marigny incorporated the phrase into a song he wrote for a Mardi Gras ball with the intention of adding some Southern charm and local flavor. The phrase quickly became popular and is known throughout the world today, thanks to its association with New Orleans and its vibrant culture.
Tips for Pronunciation
1. The “ai” in “laissez” is pronounced like the “a” in “cat.”
2. The “oi” in “bon” is pronounced like the “oi” in “coin.”
3. The “o” in “temps” is pronounced like the “o” in “roll.”
4. The “rou” in “rouler” is pronounced like the “roo” in “room.”
5. The “er” in “rouler” is pronounced like the “ay” in “say.”
6. The “le” in “les” is pronounced like the “luh” in “lull.”
7. The “s” in “les” is silent.
8. The “t” in “temps” is silent.
9. The “i” in “rouler” is silent.
10. Here is a table with a breakdown of the pronunciation of each syllable in “laissez les bon temps rouler”:
| Syllable | Pronunciation |
|—|—|
| lais | LAY |
| sez | SEY |
| les | LUH |
| bon | BON |
| temps | TONN |
| rou | ROO |
| ler | LAY |
How to Pronounce Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” is a French phrase that means “let the good times roll.” It is commonly used in Cajun and Creole culture in Louisiana, and is often heard at Mardi Gras and other celebrations.
To pronounce “laissez les bons temps rouler,” follow these steps:
- Laissez: Pronounced “lay-say”
- Les: Pronounced “lay”
- Bons: Pronounced “bohn”
- Temps: Pronounced “tahn”
- Rouler: Pronounced “roo-lay”
Putting it all together, you would pronounce “laissez les bons temps rouler” as “lay-say lay bohn tahn roo-lay.”
People Also Ask About How to Pronounce Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
How do you say laissez les bon temps rouler in English?
The English translation of “laissez les bons temps rouler” is “let the good times roll.”
What does laissez les bon temps rouler mean?
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” is a French phrase that means “let the good times roll.” It is commonly used in Cajun and Creole culture in Louisiana, and is often heard at Mardi Gras and other celebrations.
How is laissez les bon temps rouler pronounced?
To pronounce “laissez les bons temps rouler,” follow these steps:
- Laissez: Pronounced “lay-say”
- Les: Pronounced “lay”
- Bons: Pronounced “bohn”
- Temps: Pronounced “tahn”
- Rouler: Pronounced “roo-lay”
Putting it all together, you would pronounce “laissez les bons temps rouler” as “lay-say lay bohn tahn roo-lay.”
