Learning French numbers is a fundamental part of mastering the language, as they come up in everyday situations like telling time, talking about prices, or simply counting. In this guide, we’ll take you through the basics of counting in French, from 1 to 100, with pronunciation tips and some handy tricks to make it easier.
Why Learn French Numbers?
Numbers are a core component of any language. Whether you’re shopping in Paris, asking for the time, or discussing dates, understanding numbers is essential. Mastering French numbers can also improve your overall pronunciation and listening skills.
French Numbers from 1 to 20
Learning to count from 1 to 20 is crucial because these numbers are the building blocks for larger numbers. Here are the French numbers from 1 to 20:
- 1 – un (pronounced “uh”)
- 2 – deux (pronounced “duh”)
- 3 – trois (pronounced “twah”)
- 4 – quatre (pronounced “katr”)
- 5 – cinq (pronounced “sank”)
- 6 – six (pronounced “sees”)
- 7 – sept (pronounced “set”)
- 8 – huit (pronounced “weet”)
- 9 – neuf (pronounced “nuhf”)
- 10 – dix (pronounced “dees”)
- 11 – onze (pronounced “onz”)
- 12 – douze (pronounced “dooz”)
- 13 – treize (pronounced “trez”)
- 14 – quatorze (pronounced “ka-torz”)
- 15 – quinze (pronounced “kanz”)
- 16 – seize (pronounced “sez”)
- 17 – dix-sept (pronounced “dees-set”)
- 18 – dix-huit (pronounced “dees-weet”)
- 19 – dix-neuf (pronounced “dees-nuhf”)
- 20 – vingt (pronounced “van”)
Tips for Remembering 1 to 20:
- Focus on learning the pronunciation of each number.
- Practice using these numbers in everyday phrases, like saying your age or counting objects.
- Use flashcards or a visual number chart to reinforce memorization.
French Numbers from 21 to 69
Once you master 1-20, it’s time to move on to larger numbers. French uses a similar pattern to English for the twenties, thirties, and so on. Here’s how the system works:
- 21 – vingt et un (van-tay-uh)
- 30 – trente (tront)
- 40 – quarante (ka-ront)
- 50 – cinquante (sank-ont)
- 60 – soixante (swah-sont)
For the numbers in between, just add the single digit after the multiple of ten. For example:
- 22 – vingt-deux (van-duh)
- 34 – trente-quatre (tront-katr)
- 56 – cinquante-six (sank-ont-sees)
A Quick Trick:
Remember that “vingt” (20), “trente” (30), “quarante” (40), and so on, act like “twenty” and “thirty” in English. Once you get the pattern, it’s easy to count up.
French Numbers from 70 to 100
The trickiest part of learning French numbers is the counting pattern from 70 onwards:
- 70 – soixante-dix (literally “sixty-ten”)
- 71 – soixante-et-onze (“sixty-eleven”)
- 80 – quatre-vingts (“four-twenties”)
- 81 – quatre-vingt-un (“four-twenty-one”)
- 90 – quatre-vingt-dix (“four-twenty-ten”)
French numbers between 70 and 100 use a base-twenty system, which is a bit different from English. For example, 80 is expressed as “quatre-vingts” (4 x 20), and 90 as “quatre-vingt-dix” (4 x 20 + 10).
Pronunciation Guide:
- Make sure to pronounce the “s” in “quatre-vingts” when it is not followed by another number (as in 80 itself).
- For numbers like 71 or 81, add “et” between the base and the number: soixante-et-onze (71) and quatre-vingt-un (81).
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to learn French numbers is through practice. Here are some practical ways to incorporate numbers into your learning routine:
- Count Objects: Count everyday items like books, fruits, or steps as you go about your day.
- Listen to French Audio: Find French podcasts or videos that include numbers and try to follow along.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the numbers written in French on one side and in English on the other.
Conclusion: Mastering French Numbers
Mastering French numbers might seem challenging at first, especially with the unique counting system after 60. But with regular practice and by using these tricks, you’ll find yourself counting like a pro in no time. Plus, it’s an essential step in your journey toward fluency in French!
Happy counting, or as the French say, “Bon calcul!”
