Learning how to express numbers in different languages is an essential part of mastering a new language. So, if you’ve been wondering how to say “ninety nine” in French, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this number, providing tips, examples, and even some regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say Ninety Nine in French
When it comes to the formal way of saying “ninety nine” in French, you can use the following phrase: “quatre-vingt-dix-neuf.” Let’s break it down:
- “Quatre-vingt” means “four twenties,” combining the words for “four” (quatre) and “twenty” (vingt).
- “Dix” represents the number “ten.”
- “Neuf” simply means “nine.”
Remember that the French numeric system is based on counting in twenties (or scores) up to sixty, unlike the base ten system used in English. This unique structure can seem a bit complex at first, but with practice and exposure, you’ll get the hang of it!
To solidify your understanding, let’s see the formal expression of “ninety nine” in the context of a few examples:
- Le numéro de téléphone était quatre-vingt-dix-neuf. (The phone number was ninety nine.)
- Le prix du billet était de quatre-vingt-dix-neuf euros. (The ticket price was ninety nine euros.)
- Cette année, mon grand-père a célébré son quatre-vingt-dix-neuvième anniversaire. (This year, my grandfather celebrated his ninety ninth birthday.)
Informal Way to Say Ninety Nine in French
In informal spoken French, you may hear an alternative way to say “ninety nine.” Instead of using the formal construction “quatre-vingt-dix-neuf,” you might come across the phrase “quatre-vingts-dix-neuf.” Here’s how it differs:
- “Quatre-vingts” means “four twenties” (dropping the last “-s” from “vingts” makes it more informal).
- “Dix” still represents “ten.”
- “Neuf” remains as the word for “nine.”
Be aware that the informal way may vary by region or individual preference. While frequently used colloquially, it might not be appropriate in formal or written contexts. Remember to adapt your language usage based on the situation and the people you are communicating with.
Let’s now see some examples of the informal expression of “ninety nine” in use:
- J’ai attendu quatre-vingts-dix-neuf minutes avant de recevoir mon colis. (I waited ninety nine minutes before receiving my package.)
- Il m’a coûté quatre-vingts-dix-neuf euros. (It cost me ninety nine euros.)
- J’ai fait quatre-vingts-dix-neuf erreurs dans l’examen. (I made ninety nine mistakes on the exam.)
Tip for Memorizing Numbers in French
Learning numbers in a new language can be challenging, but with the right approach, you’ll soon find yourself feeling more comfortable. When it comes to French numbers, repetition and exposure are key. Here’s a helpful tip:
Practice counting from one to one hundred out loud regularly. Incorporate numbers into your daily life, such as counting objects, reading street signs, or even reciting prices while shopping. The more you interact with numbers, the easier it will be to recall them naturally.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to say “ninety nine” in French. Remember that the formal way is “quatre-vingt-dix-neuf” while the informal alternative is “quatre-vingts-dix-neuf.” Keep in mind that numbers in French have a unique structure but can be grasped with practice. Try to incorporate numbers into your daily routine to strengthen your skills. Whether you’re communicating formally or informally, having a solid foundation in numbers will greatly enhance your French-speaking abilities. Bonne continuation!
