Ever struggle with French numbers? Not sure how to count or say quantities? Learning French numbers is key for beginners. But it’s hard without examples and words to use.
In this guide, we’ll use real-life situations to learn French numbers. This will help you feel more confident when talking about numbers in different situations.
Numbers are important in France, from buying coffee to haggling at markets. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to count, talk about prices, dates, and even your phone number like a local. Get ready to dive into French numbers and improve your language skills!
Key Takeaways
- Learn to count from 1 to 100 and beyond in French
- Master the patterns and exceptions in French numbers
- Discover practical examples for using numbers in everyday situations
- Gain confidence in expressing prices, dates, and phone numbers
- Improve your French communication skills through targeted vocabulary and pronunciation tips
Understanding the Basics of French Numbers
To get good at French numbers, you need to know the basics. French numbers are split into two types: cardinal and ordinal. Cardinal numbers help us count and talk about amounts. Ordinal numbers tell us the order or rank of things.
The French cardinal number system is easy to learn. Here are some important things to remember:
- Numbers 1 to 16 have special names that you need to remember.
- Numbers 17 to 69 are made by combining tens and ones with a hyphen (like dix-sept for 17).
- Numbers 70 to 99 have their own special way of being written, which we’ll talk about later.
Ordinal numbers in French are made by adding “-ième” to the end of cardinal numbers, except for a few. For example, “premier” means “first” instead of “un-ième.” “Second” is used instead of “deux-ième.” These numbers are key for talking about dates, rankings, and sequences.
As you learn more about French numbers, you’ll find patterns and tips to help you. We’ll look at counting from 1 to 20, 21 to 69, and more. We’ll also see how French numbers are used in daily life.
Counting from 1 to 20 in French
Learning to count from 1 to 20 in French is key. It helps you use French every day. Let’s explore French numbers together!
Pronunciation Tips for Numbers 1-20
Mastering French numbers starts with correct pronunciation. Here are tips for numbers 1-20:
- Watch out for silent letters, like “t” in “sept” (seven) and “x” in “dix” (ten).
- Practice the nasal sounds in “cinq” (five) and “quinze” (fifteen).
- Remember the liaison in “six ans” (six years), where “x” sounds like “z”.
Memory Tricks to Remember French Numbers
Use memory tricks to learn French numbers. Here are some ideas:
- Link each number to a visual or rhyme. For example, “un” (one) sounds like “sun”, so think of a sun.
- Group numbers like the teens (11-19) that end in “-ze” except for “et un” (11).
- Count things around you, like stairs or shopping items.
Use these tips and tricks to learn French numbers. Soon, counting from 1 to 20 will be easy. Keep practicing and you’ll be ready for more numbers and conversations.
Exploring Numbers 21 to 69 in French
Learning French numbers from 21 to 69 is easier when you see the patterns. These numbers help you count and talk better. Let’s look at these numbers and find out how they work.
Patterns in French Numbers 21-69
Numbers from 21 to 69 have a simple pattern. It’s all about the tens and the ones. For example:
- 21 = vingt-et-un (twenty and one)
- 32 = trente-deux (thirty-two)
- 45 = quarante-cinq (forty-five)
- 58 = cinquante-huit (fifty-eight)
See how the tens and ones are connected with a hyphen. This rule works for all numbers from 21 to 69. But, numbers ending in 1 (like 21, 31, 41) need “et” (and) between the tens and ones.
Mastering the Tens: 30, 40, 50, and 60
To get good at numbers 21-69, learn the tens first. Here’s a table to help you remember them:
| Number | French | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | trente | trahnt |
| 40 | quarante | kah-rahnt |
| 50 | cinquante | sank-ahnt |
| 60 | soixante | swah-sahnt |
After you know the tens, adding the ones is simple. Practice counting from 21 to 69. Focus on the patterns and how to say each number. With practice, you’ll use these numbers easily in conversations.
Tackling the Tricky 70s, 80s, and 90s in French
As you learn more French numbers, you’ll find some tricky ones in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. These numbers might seem hard at first. But with practice, you’ll get better at them quickly.
In French, numbers 70 to 79 are different. They use “soixante” (sixty) and the teens together. For example:
- 70 – soixante-dix (sixty-ten)
- 71 – soixante et onze (sixty and eleven)
- 72 – soixante-douze (sixty-twelve)
- 73 – soixante-treize (sixty-thirteen)
This pattern goes up to 79 (soixante-dix-neuf). Then, numbers get even more interesting at 80. Instead of a special word for 80, they use “quatre-vingts” (four-twenties). For example:
| Number | French | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | quatre-vingts | four-twenties |
| 81 | quatre-vingt-un | four-twenty-one |
| 82 | quatre-vingt-deux | four-twenty-two |
Try to remember these numbers by making up tricks or phrases. For 80, think of “cat’s eyes” because “cat” sounds like “quatre.”
It’s key to practice these numbers often. Use them in your daily life, like counting things or reading prices. With regular practice, you’ll get better at these tricky numbers.
Counting to 100 and Beyond in French
Learning to count in French is key as you get better at the language. First, learn numbers 1 to 69. Then, you can count up to 100 and even bigger numbers. Knowing these numbers helps you feel more confident in daily life.
Expressing Large Numbers in French
To count big numbers in French, mix tens and ones. For example, 72 is “soixante-douze” (sixty-twelve). Here’s how to make big numbers:
- 70: soixante-dix (sixty-ten)
- 80: quatre-vingts (four-twenties)
- 90: quatre-vingt-dix (four-twenty-ten)
- 100: cent
Counting over 100? Just add the number after “cent.” For example, 105 is “cent cinq” (one hundred five). Remember, “cent” stays “cent” when you add another number.
Using French Numbers in Everyday Contexts
Now, use what you’ve learned in real life. Here are some ways you’ll use French numbers:
- Telling time: “Il est deux heures” (It’s two o’clock)
- Giving your age: “J’ai vingt-cinq ans” (I’m twenty-five years old)
- Purchasing items: “Ce livre coûte quinze euros” (This book costs fifteen euros)
- Discussing dates: “Mon anniversaire est le premier juin” (My birthday is on June first)
Practicing numbers in these ways boosts your confidence. It prepares you for life in France or talking with French speakers.
Telling Time with French Numbers
Learning to tell time in French is key for daily life in France. You’ll master French numbers and time phrases. This lets you talk about hours and minutes easily.
To tell time in French, learn numbers 1 to 59. Also, know these phrases:
- Il est… (It is…)
- …heure(s) (…o’clock)
- …et demie (half past)
- …et quart (quarter past)
- …moins le quart (quarter to)
To say “It’s 3:15,” say “Il est trois heures et quart.” For “It’s 6:30,” say “Il est six heures et demie.” On the hour, just say the number and “heure(s),” like “Il est deux heures” for 2 o’clock.
Here are more examples of telling time in French:
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Il est midi. | It’s noon. |
| Il est minuit. | It’s midnight. |
| Il est huit heures moins vingt. | It’s 7:40. |
| Il est quatre heures dix. | It’s 4:10. |
Practice telling time in French a lot. Focus on saying numbers right and using the right phrases. Soon, talking about hours and minutes in French will be easy. You’ll handle schedules and appointments with no problem.
Using French Numbers in Shopping and Prices
When you’re shopping in France, knowing French numbers is key. It helps you understand prices and make purchases. With practice, you’ll ask for prices, get answers, and even bargain like a local.
Asking for Prices and Understanding Responses
To ask for an item’s price in French, say, “Combien coûte…?” or “Quel est le prix de…?”. Here are some phrases to remember:
- C’est combien ? (How much is it?)
- Quel est le prix de ce pull ? (What is the price of this sweater?)
- Combien coûtent ces chaussures ? (How much do these shoes cost?)
Listen to the answer. Notice the numbers and any extra info, like “euros” or “centimes”. For example:
- Ça coûte quinze euros. (It costs fifteen euros.)
- Le prix est de vingt-cinq euros et cinquante centimes. (The price is twenty-five euros and fifty cents.)
Bargaining with French Numbers
In France, bargaining is less common but still possible. Here are phrases to bargain with French numbers:
- C’est un peu cher. Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ? (It’s a bit expensive. Can you lower the price?)
- Je vous en donne dix euros. (I’ll give you ten euros for it.)
- Et si on faisait douze euros ? (How about we make it twelve euros?)
When bargaining, stay polite and respectful. If the vendor agrees to a lower price, be ready to buy.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Combien coûte… ? | How much does… cost? |
| Quel est le prix de… ? | What is the price of…? |
| C’est combien ? | How much is it? |
| Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ? | Can you lower the price? |
Mastering French numbers and phrases will help you shop in France. Practice these expressions, and you’ll shop like a native in no time!
French Numbers in Dates and Calendars
Learning French means knowing numbers for dates and calendars. This skill helps you talk about birthdays, anniversaries, and plans. It makes your conversations better.
Expressing Birthdays and Anniversaries
To talk about birthdays and anniversaries in French, learn months and numbers. Here are some phrases:
- Mon anniversaire est le 5 mai. (My birthday is on May 5th.)
- Nous fêtons notre anniversaire de mariage le 12 juin. (We celebrate our wedding anniversary on June 12th.)
- Son anniversaire tombe le 23 septembre. (His/her birthday falls on September 23rd.)
| Ordinal Number | French | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | premier/première | le premier janvier (January 1st) |
| 2nd | deuxième | le deux février (February 2nd) |
| 3rd | troisième | le trois mars (March 3rd) |
| 4th | quatrième | le quatre avril (April 4th) |
Talking About Dates and Schedules
When you talk about dates and plans in French, know the days of the week. Here are some phrases:
- Aujourd’hui, c’est le 15 mai. (Today is May 15th.)
- Le rendez-vous est prévu pour le jeudi 20 août. (The appointment is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th.)
- Les cours commencent le lundi 7 septembre. (Classes begin on Monday, September 7th.)
Mastering French numbers for dates and calendars helps you talk about birthdays, anniversaries, and plans. You’ll feel more confident when speaking with native French speakers.
Mastering French Numbers
Now you know the basics of French numbers. It’s time to practice. Mastering numbers in French needs regular practice and using them in real life. This will make you more confident and fluent.
Interactive exercises are great for practicing French numbers. Try these activities to improve your skills:
- Count objects around your home or workplace in French
- Write out French numbers and practice reading them aloud
- Play number-based games, such as bingo or cards, using French numbers
- Set your phone or computer’s language to French to expose yourself to numbers in various contexts
To really get good at French numbers, use them in real life. Try these things:
- Shopping and asking for prices in French stores or markets
- Making reservations or appointments and discussing dates and times
- Exchanging contact information, such as phone numbers and addresses
- Discussing age, birthdays, and anniversaries with French speakers
Remember, the secret to mastering French numbers is to practice a lot and use them in real life. Use your new skills whenever you can. Don’t worry about making mistakes. With time and effort, you’ll be able to use numbers in French easily.
Practicing French Numbers with Your Native Teacher
Now you know the basics of French numbers. It’s time to practice. Learning with Your Native Teacher is a great way to get better. Our 1-on-1 lessons are made just for you.
Benefits of 1-on-1 Online French Lessons
Learning French with Your Native Teacher has many benefits. You’ll get:
- Personalized attention from a qualified native French tutor
- Flexibility to schedule lessons at your convenience
- Interactive lessons that keep you engaged and motivated
- Immediate feedback and correction to help you improve
- Opportunities to practice French numbers in real-life contexts
Tailored Lessons to Master French Numbers
Our French tutors make lessons just for you. They focus on what you need to learn. You can practice counting, telling time, or shopping.
With online lessons, you’ll become more confident. You’ll use French numbers in real life. Start now with Your Native Teacher!
Conclusion
You’ve learned the basics of French numbers in this article. You know how to count and tell time. You also know how to shop and talk about dates in French.
Mastering French numbers is crucial for speaking confidently. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. You’ll sound more natural and fluent.
Pay attention to how you say the numbers. Use tricks to remember them better. It’s okay to make mistakes while learning.
Keep practicing every day. Soon, using French numbers will become easy for you.
Want to get better faster? Try online lessons with a native French teacher. They can help you practice and feel more confident. Keep practicing, and you’ll be great at French numbers in no time!
