mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix
The phrase “nineteen ninety” in French is mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix.
This phrase is used to refer to the specific year 1990.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form mille neuf cent nonante is used colloquially in Switzerland and parts of Belgium.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to say the year by using dix-neuf cent (nineteen hundred) to mirror the English structure. In French, years are typically expressed as mille neuf cent (one thousand nine hundred) instead.
Did you know?
- In French, the number 90 is essentially a mathematical equation, as quatre-vingt-dix literally translates to 'four twenties ten'.
- The word neuf in this year's name is a homonym that can mean both the number 'nine' and the adjective 'new'.
- The French word cent for 'hundred' and the English word 'cent' for a penny both originate from the Latin word centum.
Examples in context
- J'ai déménagé en 1990.I moved in 1990.
- Son anniversaire est en novembre 1990.Her birthday is in November 1990.
- Quel âge avais-tu en 1990?How old were you in 1990?
- Qu'est-ce que tu faisais en 1990?What were you doing in 1990?
- Il est né en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix.He was born in nineteen ninety.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are looking at an old photograph.
- HugoCette photo date de mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix ?Was this photo taken in nineteen ninety?
- ManonOui, c'était en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix.Yes, it was in nineteen ninety.
- HugoTu étais très petite à l'époque.You were very small back then.
- ManonC'est vrai, j'étais un bébé.That's true, I was a baby.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cent, mille, neuf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
