soixante-neuf
The French phrase for sixty nine is soixante-neuf.
soixante-neuf refers to the number that comes after sixty-eight and before seventy. In an informal context, the phrase la position soixante-neuf is used to refer to a sexual position.
What does it mean word for word?
The number is composed of soixante, meaning sixty and neuf, meaning nine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The number soixante-neuf is invariable, meaning it does not change based on gender or number.
Did you know?
- While soixante-neuf is the standard way to say sixty-nine in France, speakers in Belgium and Switzerland often use septante-neuf instead.
- The sexual connotation of soixante-neuf is based on the rotational symmetry of the numerals 6 and 9. When rotated 180 degrees, the number remains the same, mirroring the symmetry of two partners giving and receiving oral sex simultaneously.
- The French word soixante is a distant relative of the English word 'sixty'. Both descend from the Latin word sexaginta, which originates from sex, meaning 'six'.
Examples in context
- Soixante-neuf pour cent des adultes américains sont en surpoids.Sixty-nine percent of adult Americans are overweight.This sentence shows how to use soixante-neuf when expressing percentages.Tatoeba #5576623 by Aiji, translation #4310529 by CK
- George W. Bush s’est rendu coupable de deux cent soixante-neuf crimes de guerre.George W. Bush is guilty of two hundred and sixty-nine war crimes.This sentence shows how to use soixante-neuf when expressing large numbers.Tatoeba #12892549 by Orange, translation #12892555 by Orange
- Le total des participants s'élève à soixante-neuf.The total number of participants amounts to sixty-nine.
- Ils ont essayé la position soixante-neuf pour la première fois.They tried the sixty-nine position for the first time.
- J'ai soixante-neuf euros dans mon portefeuille.I have sixty-nine euros in my wallet.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are looking at an old book in a shop.
- ManonCombien de pages reste-t-il dans ce livre ?How many pages are left in this book?
- HugoIl en reste soixante-neuf.There are sixty-nine left.
- ManonC'est un peu court pour moi.That is a bit short for me.
- HugoJe comprends, Manon.I understand, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soixante-neuf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
