How to Say "Roman Numerals" in French

chiffres romains

masculine, plural

The English phrase "roman numerals" is translated into French as chiffres romains.

Meaning: system of numerals (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase literally translates to 'Roman digits'.

The phrase chiffres romains is masculine and plural. If you need to refer to a single Roman numeral, use the singular form chiffre romain.

English speakers might mistakenly use nombre instead of chiffre, but chiffre is the standard term for these symbols in French.

The word chiffre comes from the Arabic word sifr, meaning 'zero'. This is ironic because Roman numerals have no symbol for zero.
In French, the word chiffre shares its root with the verb chiffrer, which means to encode or encrypt a message.
The English word 'cipher' is a direct linguistic relative of chiffre, both traveling from Arabic through Old French into English.

Sais-tu les chiffres romains ?
Do you understand Roman numerals?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone understands chiffres romains.
Tatoeba #939196 by sacredceltic, translation #1487661 by marshmallowcat
Connais-tu les chiffres romains ?
Do you know Roman numerals?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows chiffres romains.
Tatoeba #939195 by sacredceltic, translation #4823613 by whitefishglobal
L'horloge utilise des chiffres romains.
The clock uses roman numerals.
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Nathan and Manon are at a museum looking at an old monument.

Nathan

Regarde ces chiffres romains sur la pierre.
Look at these roman numerals on the stone.
Manon

C'est impressionnant, mais je ne les comprends pas.
It's impressive, but I don't understand them.
Nathan

Je peux essayer de les lire pour toi.
I can try to read them for you.
Manon

Merci Nathan, tu es très gentil.
Thanks Nathan, you are very kind.

Sources

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