Bienvenue! If you’ve been wondering how to say “thirty-eight” in French, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this number, while providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying Thirty Eight in French
When it comes to formal situations, such as academic or professional settings, it’s important to use the correct phrasing. Here’s how you can say “thirty-eight” formally in French:
1. Trente-huit
Trente-huit is the standard and most widely used way to express the number 38 in French. It follows the simple pattern of combining the word for “thirty” (trente) with the word for “eight” (huit).
2. Huit et trente
Another formal variation, although less common, is to reverse the order of the words and say “eight and thirty” (huit et trente). While somewhat uncommon, this form is still understood by native speakers.
Informal Ways of Saying Thirty Eight in French
In informal settings, such as casual conversations, you may encounter alternative ways of expressing “thirty-eight.” Here are a few informal variations:
1. Trente-huit (with liaison)
In informal speech, French speakers often add a spoken liaison between trente and huit. This results in a slight linking sound between the two words, making it sound like “trente-zhuit.” This liaison is not required but occurs naturally in everyday conversation.
2. Trente-huit balais
Adding the word “balais” (brooms) after the number is a common informal expression. It’s a playful way of saying “thirty-eight” and emphasizes a sense of exaggeration or humor. While not suitable for formal contexts, it’s frequently used among friends or in less serious conversations.
Regional Variations
French is spoken across various regions, and sometimes you’ll come across regional differences in the way numbers are expressed. Here’s a regional variation for “thirty-eight”:
1. Huit et trente (in Belgium)
In Belgium, it’s common to reverse the order and say “eight and thirty” (huit et trente) for the number 38. This form is unique to the Belgian French dialect, so if you’re conversing in Belgium, it’s good to be aware of this regional difference.
Tips and Examples
Here are some handy tips and examples to further assist you in understanding and using the French term for “thirty-eight”:
Tips:
- When pronouncing “trente-huit,” emphasize the final “t” in “trente” and the “h” in “huit.”
- For an informal vibe, try using the “trente-zhuit” pronunciation with a relaxed liaison.
- If you’re unsure whether to use a formal or informal expression, it’s generally safer to stick with the standard “trente-huit.”
- Practice saying the words aloud to improve your pronunciation. It’s always beneficial to listen to native speakers or use language learning resources as well.
Examples:
Let’s explore some practical examples of using “thirty-eight” in French:
- Je suis âgé(e) de trente-huit ans. (I am thirty-eight years old.)
- Il y a trente-huit élèves dans ma classe. (There are thirty-eight students in my class.)
- Nous avons attendu trente-huit minutes avant de partir. (We waited for thirty-eight minutes before leaving.)
- J’ai reçu trente-huit messages sur mon téléphone aujourd’hui. (I received thirty-eight messages on my phone today.)
Remember, practice makes perfect! Use these examples as a starting point to incorporate “thirty-eight” effortlessly into your French vocabulary.
Wrap-up
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “thirty-eight” in French. We’ve covered both formal and informal expressions, given tips and examples, and even discussed a regional variation. Whether you’re preparing for a formal presentation, engaging in casual conversation, or simply expanding your language skills, these variations will undoubtedly come in handy.
Keep exploring the fascinating world of French numbers, and soon you’ll be able to effortlessly express any figure with confidence. Bonne chance!
