In this guide, we will explore how to say “nineteen ninety nine” in French, including both formal and informal ways. We’ll also provide some tips, examples, and highlight any regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
When it comes to saying “nineteen ninety nine” in a formal context, you can use the following options:
1. Dix-neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf
This is the standard way of expressing the year “1999” in French. It translates literally as “nineteen hundred ninety-nine.” It is a formal and widely used phrase across France.
2. Mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf
Another formal alternative is to say “mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf,” which translates to “one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine.” Though a bit lengthier, this form is commonly accepted in formal French contexts such as official documents or speeches.
Informal Ways
Informally, French speakers often simplify the year “1999” to make it sound more colloquial. Below are a couple of common informal ways:
1. Quatre-vingt-dix-neuf
In informal speech, it is common to simply drop the “dix-neuf cent” part and say only “quatre-vingt-dix-neuf,” which translates to “ninety-nine.” This is the easiest and most casual way to express the year, commonly used in conversations and everyday situations.
2. Mille neuf cent quatre-vingts-dix-neuf
This variation adds “mille” (one thousand) to the informal pronunciation. It becomes “mille neuf cent quatre-vingts-dix-neuf,” which translates to “one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine.” It is commonly used in informal conversations when a more precise year is required but still maintaining an informal tone.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand and use these phrases correctly:
1. Emphasizing the Year
When focusing specifically on the year “1999,” it’s common to use the phrases mentioned above. However, if you’re discussing something that happened during that year, you can say:
En 1999, j’ai terminé mes études. (In 1999, I completed my studies.)
2. Alternate Phrasing
Instead of mentioning the year directly, you can opt for sentences like:
À la fin du siècle dernier, j’avais dix-neuf ans. (At the end of the last century, I was nineteen.)
3. Regional Variations
French is spoken in many regions with slight variations in pronunciation and vocabulary. However, when it comes to expressing the year “1999,” the phrases mentioned earlier are common and widely understood across the French-speaking world.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to say “nineteen ninety nine” in French, catering to both formal and informal contexts. The formal expressions include “dix-neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf” and “mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf,” while the informal versions are “quatre-vingt-dix-neuf” and “mille neuf cent quatre-vingts-dix-neuf.” Remember that the latter options are more commonly used in everyday conversations. Whether you choose to use the formal or informal expressions, you’ll be well-equipped to express the year “1999” in French with confidence!
