nombres négatifs
The phrase "negative numbers" in French is nombres négatifs.
This phrase refers to numbers that are less than zero. In formal settings, you can express a negative number by using the minus sign before the digit, such as -3, -5.25, or -10,000. You can also express these numbers formally by using the word moins before the number, for example, moins dix mille.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form for a single negative number is nombre négatif. When using the plural nombres négatifs, both the noun nombre and the adjective négatif must take an s to be grammatically correct.
Did you know?
- While nombres négatifs is the mathematical term, French speakers often describe a negative balance in a bank account as being dans le rouge, meaning 'in the red'.
- The word négatif can be used as a noun to describe a photographic negative, referring to the inverted colors of a film strip.
- French distinguishes between nombres and chiffres. Nombres négatifs refers to the mathematical values, but chiffres refers only to the symbols 0 through 9.
Examples in context
- Le produit de deux nombres négatifs est positif.The product of two negative numbers is positive.This sentence shows a mathematical rule using nombres négatifs.Tatoeba #955535 by Archibald, translation #1699595 by CK
- On ne peut pas utiliser de nombres négatifs ici.We cannot use negative numbers here.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are studying math together.
- ManonEst-ce que tu comprends les nombres négatifs ?Do you understand negative numbers?
- NathanNon, je suis un peu perdu, Manon.No, I am a bit lost, Manon.
- ManonJe peux t'aider avec cet exercice.I can help you with this exercise.
- NathanMerci beaucoup, c'est très gentil.Thank you very much, that is very kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
