numéro un
The English phrase "number one" is translated into French as numéro un.
numéro un is used to refer to the first item in a sequence or the person in the top position. It is frequently used in a figurative sense to denote the highest priority or the most important element in a list, and it often follows a noun such as priorité or objectif. While le premier simply means "the first", using the phrase le numéro un can be used to emphasize the importance of something or someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun numéro (number) and the cardinal number un (one).
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike many French adjectives, numéro un remains invariable in gender and number when used as a fixed designation for a priority or a rank.
Did you know?
- In a French address, numéro is almost always omitted. A speaker says j'habite au 10 rather than j'habite au numéro 10.
- The word numéro was borrowed from the Italian numero rather than evolving directly from Latin in the same way as nombre.
- In French, the word nombre refers to a quantity or a mathematical amount, whereas numéro refers to a specific identifier or a position in a sequence, like a house number or a rank.
Examples in context
- C'est la priorité numéro un.That's the number one priority.This sentence shows how to use numéro un to describe a priority.Tatoeba #5133551 by sacredceltic, translation #5132215 by CK
- C'est notre priorité numéro un.That's our number one priority.Tatoeba #11350749 by lbdx, translation #5132217 by CK
- La satisfaction client est notre priorité numéro un.Customer satisfaction is our number one priority.Tatoeba #553038 by sacredceltic, translation #553035 by darinmex
- Je suis le premier dans la file d'attente.I am the first in line.
- Il est considéré comme le numéro un dans son domaine.He is considered the number one expert in his field.
- Ce restaurant est le choix numéro un des locaux.This restaurant is the number one choice for locals.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a sports competition.
- EmmaQui est le joueur numéro un ?Who is the number one player?
- HugoC'est Hugo, il a gagné hier.It's Hugo, he won yesterday.
- EmmaFélicitations, Hugo ! Tu es numéro un !Congratulations, Hugo! You are number one!
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Emma.Thank you very much, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries numéro, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
