Gaining proficiency in a foreign language involves mastering various numerical expressions, including how to say numbers. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “eighty one” in French. We will also highlight any regional variations, providing you with tips and examples along the way. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say Eighty One in French
When it comes to formal contexts, such as official documents, business meetings, or academic settings, there are a few options to express the number “eighty one” in French:
“quatre-vingt-un”
The formal French expression for “eighty one” is “quatre-vingt-un.” Literally translating to “four twenties one,” this phrasing adheres to the traditional French counting system that is based on multiples of twenty.
To illustrate the usage of this formal expression, here are a couple of examples:
- Le prix de la voiture est de quatre-vingt-un mille euros. (The price of the car is eighty-one thousand euros.)
- J’ai reçu quatre-vingt-un pour cent des voix lors de l’élection. (I received eighty-one percent of the votes in the election.)
Informal Ways to Say Eighty One in French
When it comes to conversational French or less formal situations, there are alternative expressions to convey “eighty one.” Here are a few commonly used forms:
- “quatre-vingt-un” (same as formal)
- “quatre-vingt et un”
The informal expression “quatre-vingt et un” offers a slightly simplified version of the formal form, dropping the hyphen between “quatre-vingt” and “un.” This is the most commonly used informal variant of “eighty one” in French.
Here are a couple of examples demonstrating the usage of the informal expressions:
- Il a quatre-vingt et un ans aujourd’hui. (He is eighty-one years old today.)
- J’ai acheté quatre-vingt et un livres à la librairie. (I bought eighty-one books at the bookstore.)
Tips for Proper Usage
When using these numerical expressions, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Pronunciation: The pronunciation of “quatre-vingt-un” and “quatre-vingt et un” can vary slightly among different French speakers. It is advisable to listen to native French speakers or consult reliable audio resources to perfect your pronunciation.
- Agreement: In French, the numeral “un” (one) agrees in gender with the noun it modifies. For example, if you are referring to “eighty-one books” (livres), you would use “quatre-vingt et un livres.” The “un” changes to “une” if the noun is feminine, such as “quatre-vingt et une voiture” (eighty-one car).
- Practice: Enhancing your grasp of numerical expressions requires practice. Engage in conversations, solve math problems, or play number-based games in French to strengthen your skills.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned the formal and informal ways of saying “eighty one” in French. Remember, in formal contexts, use “quatre-vingt-un,” while in more informal settings, “quatre-vingt et un” is commonly employed. Always pay attention to pronunciation, noun agreement, and practice regularly to become more confident with French numbers. Bonne chance!
