nombres
/nɔ̃bʁ/
The English phrase "numbers" is translated into French as nombres.
nombres is used to refer to numbers in a general or mathematical sense.
Which one should you use?
While nombres refers to numbers in general, you should use chiffres when you are specifically referring to the individual digits 0-9 used to form those numbers.
How does it change in a sentence?
nombres is a masculine plural noun. The singular form is nombre.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃bʁ/
Did you know?
- French has a unique word for the number 70, soixante-dix, which literally means 'sixty ten'. In Belgium and Switzerland, however, people often use septante instead.
- The French word chiffre, used for digits, shares a root with the English word 'cipher', which historically referred to the Arabic numeral zero.
- In French, a 'number' of a magazine or a specific edition is called a numéro, which can also mean a 'performance' or an 'act' in a circus.
Examples in context
- Regarde-moi tous ces nombres.Look at all these numbers.This example shows how to use nombres when asking someone to look at them.Tatoeba #9788366 by Gib, translation #9729276 by CK
- Je suis fâché avec les nombres.I am awkward with numbers.This example uses nombres to describe being awkward with them.Tatoeba #5561782 by sacredceltic, translation #252285 by Dejo
- Il y a une infinité de nombres.There are an infinite number of numbers.This example uses nombres to talk about an infinite amount of them.Tatoeba #9843506 by Micsmithel, translation #7476976 by CK
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are looking at a math textbook.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu comprends ces nombres ?Do you understand these numbers?
- LucasNon, ces nombres sont trop compliqués.No, these numbers are too complicated.
- EmmaJe vais t'aider avec les nombres.I will help you with the numbers.
- LucasMerci Emma, c'est très gentil.Thanks Emma, that is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Nombres.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
