nombres décimaux
The English phrase "decimal numbers" is translated into French as nombres décimaux.
This phrase refers to numbers that use a decimal point to show fractions of a whole. In French, decimal numbers are typically expressed with a comma (,) as the decimal point, such as 1,5.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective décimaux is the plural form of décimal, which is cognate to the English word "decimal".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is nombre décimal.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use a decimal point instead of a comma when writing decimal numbers in French. You should use la virgule (the comma) instead.
Did you know?
- Because the comma is used for decimals, the symbol used in English to separate thousands, such as the comma in 1,000, is often a non-breaking space in French.
- The word décimal shares its root with décennie, the French word for 'decade', as both stem from the Latin word for ten.
- In French, a decimal point is actually called la virgule, which is the exact same word used for a standard grammatical comma.
Examples in context
- Les nombres décimaux sont importants en mathématiques.Decimal numbers are important in mathematics.
- Pouvez-vous m'expliquer comment utiliser les nombres décimaux ?Can you explain how to use decimal numbers to me?
- L'ordinateur calcule les nombres décimaux très vite.The computer calculates decimal numbers very quickly.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are studying math together.
- HugoTu sais utiliser les nombres décimaux ?Do you know how to use decimal numbers?
- ManonOui, c'est assez simple, Hugo.Yes, it is quite simple, Hugo.
- HugoPeux-tu m'aider avec cet exercice ?Can you help me with this exercise?
- ManonBien sûr, regarde comment je fais.Of course, look at how I do it.
