un numéro
In French, "a number" is translated as un numéro.
un numéro is used when you are referring to a specific digit in a sequence, such as a house number, a telephone number or a page number.
Which one should you use?
Use un numéro for an identification number (like a phone number or jersey number) and un nombre for a mathematical quantity or amount.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use un nombre when they mean a specific identification number like a phone number or a credit card number. In those cases, un numéro is required.
Did you know?
- In French slang, calling someone un numéro describes them as a unique, eccentric or one-of-a-kind character. It is similar to calling someone 'a real piece of work' in English.
- Because un numéro refers to an ordered sequence, it can be used to describe a specific 'act' or 'segment' in a circus or a theatrical show.
- The word numéro was borrowed directly from Italian into French. This explains why it differs in form from the native French word for quantity, nombre.
Examples in context
- Prends un numéro !Take a number.This sentence shows how to use un numéro as a command.Tatoeba #1850157 by sacredceltic, translation #1849362 by CK
- Quand un astronome découvre l'une d'elles, il lui donne pour nom un numéro.When an astronomer discovers one of these asteroids he does not give it a name, but only a number.This sentence shows how un numéro is used to identify an object like an asteroid.Tatoeba #9063778 by carlosalberto, translation #9063923 by carlosalberto
- Je cherche un numéro de téléphone.I am looking for a phone number.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about exchanging contact information.
- NathanTu peux me donner un numéro pour t'appeler ?Can you give me a number to call you?
- ManonOui, je te l'envoie tout de suite.Yes, I'll send it to you right away.
- NathanC'est parfait, merci Manon.That's perfect, thanks Manon.
- ManonDe rien, Nathan !You're welcome, Nathan!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
