numéro
/ny.me.ʁo/masculine
The English word 'number' can be translated into French as nombre or numéro.
Meaning: abstract entity used to describe quantity (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| numéro | /ny.me.ʁo/ | masculine |
| nombre | /nɔ̃bʁ/ | masculine |
In French, the choice of word depends on whether you are discussing a mathematical quantity or an identification label. Use nombre to refer to a mathematical quantity or an amount of things. Use numéro to refer to a specific number used for identification, such as a phone number, a house number or a jersey number.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two forms is based on their function: nombre refers to a mathematical quantity or amount, whereas numéro refers to an identification number.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ny.me.ʁo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using numéro when you actually mean a mathematical quantity. In those cases, you should use nombre instead.
Did you know?
- In French, numéro can also refer to a specific act or performance in a variety show or circus, similar to the English word 'number' in a musical.
- Calling a person a numéro is often seen as dehumanizing, as it implies they are merely a data entry in a system rather than a human being.
- While 'nombre' and 'numéro' are closely related, 'numéro' is actually a loanword from Italian. It entered the French language later than the much older, Latin-derived 'nombre'.
Examples in context
- Tu as mon numéro.You've got my number.This sentence demonstrates the use of numéro to refer to a person's phone number.Tatoeba #6957169 by HaleBopp, translation #3342807 by CK
- Prends un numéro !Take a number.This sentence shows how numéro can be used when referring to a ticket or a sequence number.Tatoeba #1850157 by sacredceltic, translation #1849362 by CK
- Choisis un nombre !Pick a number.This sentence illustrates the correct use of nombre when asking someone to select a mathematical value.Tatoeba #4625967 by sacredceltic, translation #2249761 by CK
- un nombre élevéA large number
- un numéro de téléphoneA phone number
- 594 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are talking about a lost delivery.
- ManonHugo, tu as le numéro du livreur ?Hugo, do you have the delivery driver's number?
- HugoNon, je n'ai pas son numéro sur moi.No, I do not have his number on me.
- ManonRegarde sur le reçu de la commande.Look on the order receipt.
- HugoAh oui, le numéro est écrit en petit.Ah yes, the number is written in small print.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “number” translations and entries numéro, nombre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nombre, numéro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
