abc
/a.be.se/
The French phrase abc is a noun used to refer to a primer for learning the alphabet.
Meaning: primer for learning the alphabet (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /a.be.se/.
Did you know?
- Historically, the process of learning the abc was often linked to the catéchisme in religious schools, where literacy and faith were taught simultaneously.
- In some historical French texts, the abc was not just for children but served as a foundational guide for adults entering the clergy or bureaucracy.
- Unlike the English 'ABC' which is often capitalized as an acronym, the French abc is frequently written in lowercase when referring to the primer.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are in a bookstore.
- HugoJe cherche un abc pour mon neveu.I am looking for an alphabet primer for my nephew.
- ManonRegardez dans le rayon pour enfants.Look in the children's section.
- HugoJe ne vois aucun abc ici.I don't see any alphabet primer here.
- ManonAttendez, j'en ai trouvé un pour vous.Wait, I found one for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
