Whether you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, learning how to say numbers in French is a fundamental step. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the pronunciation, formal and informal usage, as well as regional variations of numbers one to thirty in French. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Pronunciation Tips
Before we dive into the numbers themselves, let’s go over some pronunciation tips that will help you sound more natural when speaking French:
- French numbers are generally pronounced by combining the individual sounds of each digit. For example, “23” is pronounced “vingt-trois” (pronounced vahn-trwah).
- The final consonants in certain numbers like “cinq” (5) and “huit” (8) are not pronounced.
- The numbers in French usually have an accent on the final syllable, so emphasize that syllable to sound more native.
- Pay attention to liaison, particularly when the number ends in a consonant and is followed by a word beginning with a vowel sound. For example, “huit œufs” (eight eggs) is pronounced “huit zœufs” (pronounced huit zœf).
Formal Usage
In formal situations, such as when dealing with authorities or in business settings, it is recommended to use the complete written form of numbers rather than the spoken form. Here are the numbers one to thirty in their written form:
1 – un
2 – deux
3 – trois
4 – quatre
5 – cinq
6 – six
7 – sept
8 – huit
9 – neuf
10 – dix
11 – onze
12 – douze
13 – treize
14 – quatorze
15 – quinze
16 – seize
17 – dix-sept
18 – dix-huit
19 – dix-neuf
20 – vingt
21 – vingt et un
22 – vingt-deux
23 – vingt-trois
24 – vingt-quatre
25 – vingt-cinq
26 – vingt-six
27 – vingt-sept
28 – vingt-huit
29 – vingt-neuf
30 – trente
Remember to pronounce the numbers naturally, following the pronunciation tips outlined earlier, even in formal situations.
Informal Usage
In informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family, the French language often uses shortcuts or colloquialisms for numbers. Here are the informal ways to say numbers one to thirty in French:
- un (pronounced “uhn”)
- deux (pronounced “duh”)
- trois (pronounced “twah”)
- quatre (pronounced “katr”)
- cinq (pronounced “sank”)
- six (pronounced “sees”)
- sept (pronounced “set”)
- huit (pronounced “weet”)
- neuf (pronounced “nuhf”)
- dix (pronounced “dees”)
- onze (pronounced “onz”)
- douze (pronounced “dooz”)
- treize (pronounced “trehz”)
- quatorze (pronounced “kah-torz”)
- quinze (pronounced “kans”)
- seize (pronounced “sehz”)
- dix-sept (pronounced “dees-set”)
- dix-huit (pronounced “dees-weet”)
- dix-neuf (pronounced “dees-nuhf”)
- vingt (pronounced “vahn”)
- vingt et un (pronounced “vahn-tay-uhn”)
- vingt-deux (pronounced “vahn-duh”)
- vingt-trois (pronounced “vahn-twah”)
- vingt-quatre (pronounced “vahn-katr”)
- vingt-cinq (pronounced “vahn-sank”)
- vingt-six (pronounced “vahn-sees”)
- vingt-sept (pronounced “vahn-set”)
- vingt-huit (pronounced “vahn-weet”)
- vingt-neuf (pronounced “vahn-nuhf”)
- trente (pronounced “trahnt”)
Using these informal variations will help you blend in and sound more conversational in everyday French.
Regional Variations
French-speaking countries may have their own regional variations for the pronunciation of numbers. However, the variations we have covered so far are common throughout the French-speaking world, and you’re likely to be understood using them. If you’re planning to visit a specific region, it may be useful to learn any specific variations they use for numbers.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say numbers one to thirty in French. Remember to practice these numbers regularly to build your fluency. Keep in mind the pronunciation tips, and consider the context when using the formal or informal variations. Whether you need to count money, order in a restaurant, or tell the time, numbers are an essential element of any language, and mastering them will enrich your experience in French-speaking countries. Bonne chance!
