Learning to count and say numbers in a foreign language can be both challenging and exciting. If you are interested in French, you may be wondering how to say all the numbers in this beautiful language. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the formal and informal ways of expressing numbers in French, along with some tips and examples to help you master this essential skill.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Numbers in French
When it comes to formal situations, such as giving your phone number or speaking in an official capacity, it’s important to use the correct and proper way to say numbers in French. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Cardinal Numbers
- Start by learning the cardinal numbers from one to ten:
Un (1), deux (2), trois (3), quatre (4), cinq (5), six (6), sept (7), huit (8), neuf (9), dix (10).
- For numbers from eleven to sixteen, simply add the corresponding word after “dix”:
Onze (11), douze (12), treize (13), quatorze (14), quinze (15), seize (16).
- For numbers from seventeen to nineteen, reverse the order by using “dix” followed by the corresponding number:
Dix-sept (17), dix-huit (18), dix-neuf (19).
- For multiples of ten, place “vingt” (twenty), “trente” (thirty), “quarante” (forty), “cinquante” (fifty), “soixante” (sixty), or “cent” (hundred) before the other numbers:
Vingt et un (21), trente-deux (32), quarante-cinq (45), cinquante-six (56), soixante-dix (70), quatre-vingt-dix (90), cent vingt-trois (123).
- For bigger numbers, separate every three digits by “espace” (space) while counting from right to left:
Quatre mille cinq cent soixante-sept (4,567), cent mille (100,000), un million (1,000,000).
Ordinal Numbers
- When using numbers in an ordinal context, such as dates or ranks, you generally add “ième” to the cardinal number:
Premier (première) (first), deuxième (second), troisième (third), quatrième (fourth), cinquième (fifth), vingtième (twentieth), centième (hundredth).
Informal Ways to Say Numbers in French
In informal conversations or casual settings, native French speakers often use a more relaxed and abbreviated form to express numbers. Here are some examples to help you understand the informal way of saying numbers in French:
- Zéro (0) becomes zé or simply null.
- Un (1) becomes un or une when referring to feminine nouns.
- Deux (2) becomes deux or deuze.
- Trois (3) becomes trois or troi, mostly used in spoken French.
- Quatre (4) becomes quatre or quat’.
Tips for Learning and Remembering Numbers in French
Learning numbers in any language can be challenging, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you learn and remember numbers in French:
- Practice Pronunciation: Spend time listening to native French speakers and imitating their pronunciation to enhance your speaking skills.
- Use Online Resources: Take advantage of online tools, websites, and apps that provide exercises and interactive games to practice numbers in French.
- Break Them Down: Divide larger numbers into smaller portions to make them less overwhelming and easier to grasp.
- Write and Repeat: Write down numbers repeatedly and say them out loud to reinforce your memory.
- Associate with Everyday Objects: Associate numbers with familiar objects or everyday situations to make them more relatable and memorable.
With consistent practice and patience, you will gradually improve your ability to say numbers fluently and confidently in French.
In conclusion, mastering the art of expressing numbers is a crucial step in learning any language, including French. We have covered the formal and informal ways of saying numbers in French, along with valuable tips and examples to help you on your language learning journey. Remember to practice regularly and stay motivated, and before you know it, you’ll be counting en français like a native!
