dix-neuf cent quatre-vingt-seize
The phrase "nineteen ninety-six" is translated into French as dix-neuf cent quatre-vingt-seize.
This phrase refers to the specific year 1996.
Which one should you use?
The formal translation of nineteen ninety-six is mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-seize.
Did you know?
- In Belgium and Switzerland, you might hear nonante-six instead of quatre-vingt-seize. This replaces the 'four twenties' logic with a single word for 'ninety'.
- The word quatre-vingt-seize uses a vigesimal (base-20) system common in historical French, which is why ninety-six is built from 'four twenties'.
- Even though the English word 'cent' refers to a coin, that word was actually borrowed from the Old French word for 'hundred'.
Examples in context
- Madame Dupont est née le dix juillet mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-seize.Madame Dupont was born on the 10th of July, nineteen ninety-six.
- Savais-tu que la célèbre série Friends a été diffusée en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-seize ?Did you know that Friends, the famous TV show, aired in nineteen ninety-six?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their childhood memories.
- HugoQuand as-tu commencé le piano, Manon ?When did you start piano, Manon?
- ManonC'était en dix-neuf cent quatre-vingt-seize.It was in nineteen ninety-six.
- HugoC'est incroyable, tu étais très jeune !That's incredible, you were very young!
- ManonOui, j'avais seulement cinq ans.Yes, I was only five years old.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cent, CC BY-SA 4.0.
