un, deux, trois
The phrase "one, two, three" in French is un, deux, trois.
The first three cardinal numbers used for counting.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting feminine objects, the number 'one' changes from un to une. The numbers deux and trois do not change their form based on the gender of the noun they are counting.
Did you know?
- While 'one' in English is always 'one', the French un can function as both a number and an indefinite article, meaning 'a' or 'an'.
- The word un shares a common ancestor with the English word 'one', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynos.
- The number deux is used in the common French idiom être deux to describe a couple or two people doing something together, even if the number is already obvious.
Examples in context
- Trois oiseauxThree birds
- Deux cahiersTwo notebooks
- Trois vélosThree bicycles
- Il y a trois pommesThere are three apples
- C'est mon deuxième caféThis is my second coffee
- Nous nous retrouvons à trois heuresWe meet at three o'clock
- Dix fleursTen flowers
- Un, deux, trois, et partez !One, two, three, and go!
- Un, deux, trois, c'est fini.One, two, three, it is finished.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are taking a photo together.
- GabrielJe prends la photo maintenant.I am taking the photo now.
- EmmaD'accord, je suis prête.Okay, I am ready.
- GabrielUn, deux, trois, souriez !One, two, three, smile!
- EmmaC'est une belle photo, Gabriel.It is a beautiful photo, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deux, trois, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
