un
/œ̃/
The French word for the cardinal number one is un.
un is used to represent the number 1. It can also function as a determiner meaning a single, unspecified thing or as an impersonal pronoun referring to one thing or person.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Which one should you use?
The form of the word changes based on the grammatical gender of the noun it refers to or modifies. Use un for masculine nouns and une for feminine nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a pronoun to replace a masculine noun, use un. If you are modifying a feminine noun, the form changes from un to une.
How do you pronounce it?
/œ̃/
Did you know?
- The word un is a distant relative of the English word 'one', as both descended from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynos.
- Counting in French often involves the word un in unique idioms, such as un coup de main which literally means 'a blow of hand' but actually means 'a helping hand'.
- When un is used as an impersonal pronoun to mean 'one' or 'people in general', it is often replaced by the word on in casual spoken French.
Examples in context
- J'en ai un !I got one!This sentence is useful for expressing that you possess one of something using un.Tatoeba #1711381 by sacredceltic, translation #1690026 by Spamster
- Un de plus ?One more?This sentence is useful for asking if there is one more using un.Tatoeba #7801745 by theachaean, translation #6587892 by Eccles17
- En as-tu un ?Do you have one?This sentence is useful for asking if someone else has one using un.Tatoeba #474096 by sacredceltic, translation #16547 by CK
- Puis-je avoir un café, s'il vous plaît?May I have a coffee, please?
- Je vais prendre un verre avec mon ami ce soir.I'm going to have a drink with my friend tonight.
- 3549 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- NathanJe voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like one coffee, please.
- EmmaMoi aussi, je vais en prendre un.Me too, I will take one.
- NathanOn prend un dessert aussi ?Shall we get one dessert too?
- EmmaOui, un gâteau au chocolat !Yes, one chocolate cake!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries un, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
