Salut! Whether you’re learning French for business, travel, or personal pleasure, knowing the numbers is essential. In this guide, we’ll delve into the different ways of saying “twenty-one” in French, covering both formal and informal expressions. We’ll also touch upon regional variations if necessary. By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in pronouncing “twenty-one” in various contexts.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Twenty-One
In formal situations, such as official presentations or academic settings, it’s important to use proper French. When it comes to saying “twenty-one,” you have a couple of options:
1. Vingt et un
In formal French, the most common way to say “twenty-one” is “vingt et un.” Let’s break down the pronunciation:
Vingt et un is pronounced as “vahn ay uh.”
Make sure to emphasize the “ay” sound in “vahn ay uh.” This is the standard formal expression you should use in most formal situations.
Informal Expressions for Twenty-One
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual settings, you have a few informal alternatives for saying “twenty-one.” These expressions are commonly used in everyday French conversations:
1. Vingt et une
In informal French, “vingt et une” is the feminine form of “twenty-one.” This is used when referring to a feminine noun or when addressing a group of mixed gender. Here’s how to pronounce it:
Vingt et une is pronounced as “vahn ay oon.” Remember to stress the “ay” and “oon” sounds.
For example, if you want to say “twenty-one books” (vingt-et-un livres) or “twenty-one friends” (vingt-et-une amis), this is the form you’ll use.
2. Vingt et un(e)
In informal situations, some speakers drop the final vowel sound “uh” in “vingt et un” and simply say “vingt et un.” This variation is commonly used in French conversations:
Vingt et un(e) is pronounced as “vahn ay uhn.” It has a similar pronunciation to the formal expression, but without the final “uh” sound.
For example, you might hear this version when saying “I am twenty-one years old” (J’ai vingt et un ans). Note that the “e” in “vingt et une” or “un(e)” is usually silent unless followed by a vowel sound.
Examples and Tips
Let’s explore some examples to help solidify your understanding:
- Example 1: To say “There are twenty-one students in the classroom,” use “Il y a vingt et un élèves dans la salle de classe.”
- Example 2: If you want to say “I have twenty-one apples,” say “J’ai vingt et une pommes.”
- Example 3: When counting from one to twenty-one, you say: “un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix, onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, seize, dix-sept, dix-huit, dix-neuf, vingt, vingt et un.”
Remember these tips:
- Practice the pronunciation by repeating the phrases aloud.
- Listen to native French speakers to further familiarize yourself with the correct intonation.
- When in doubt, opt for the formal expressions, “vingt et un” or “vingt et une.”
- If you’re speaking casually, you can use the shorter form “vingt et un(e).”
- Keep in mind that French numbers correspond to gender in certain contexts, so use the appropriate forms based on the noun you’re referring to.
Now you have a solid grasp of how to say “twenty-one” in French, both formally and informally. Practice these expressions, listen to French speakers, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Bonne chance!
