Today we are going to discover how to learn the numbers in french. This is an essential topic in language learning, as numbers play a fundamental role in daily life: from saying your age, performing mathematical calculations, to giving directions or talking about money. Although in other articles we mentioned some useful tricks to learn the numbers, numbers in English, numbers in French have their particularities and rules that we should know.
In French, numbers are not so simple as in other languages. Although many of the numbers are similar to those found in Spanish, some structures may seem complex at first, especially when we get to numbers after 70. However, you will find that with some practice and a few clear rules, you will master French numbers in no time.
To make it easier to study, we are going to break down the numbers into several parts, starting from the most basic and gradually moving forward. Below we provide you with a list of the first 20 numbers in French, which is the first step to learning the number system in this language. Then, we will analyze the more complex numbers in detail.
French numbers from 1 to 20
The first part of learning should focus on the numbers of the 1 al 20, since they are the fundamental basis on which larger numbers are built. Here is a list to help you learn them:
- a one
- deux - two
- trois - three
- quatre - four
- cinq - five
- six - six
- sept - seven
- huit - eight
- neuf - nine
- dix - ten
- eleven - eleven
- douze - twelve
- treize - thirteen
- quatorze - fourteen
- fifteen - fifteen
- seize - sixteen
- dix-sept - seventeen
- dix-huit - eighteen
- dix-neuf - nineteen
- vingt - twenty
It is important that you learn the numbers well. 1 al 10 in French to make it easier for you to learn larger numbers. The next step will be to consolidate numbers up to 20.
Important rules for learning numbers in French
Now that you know the first 20 basic numbers, it is important to understand some fundamental rules that will help you build larger numbers.
From 21 to 69: Addition of units
Once you learn the tens, you can combine them with the numbers 1 through 9. The basic tens are:
- 20 – vingt
- 30 – thirty
- 40 – forty
- 50 – fifty
- 60 – soixante
To form numbers like 21, 31, 41, etc., you must use the rule for adding units. For example:
21 = twenty-one (twenty-one). Note how the word is added et (and) between the ten and the unit, but only for the number 1. From 22 onwards, only the words are joined without using the et:
- 22 = twenty-two
- 33 = thirty-three
Don't forget that there is always a hyphen between the two numbers, as in the examples above.
From 70 to 99: Greater complication
Starting at 70, French numbers become a bit more complex because they no longer follow such a simple pattern. Instead of having a specific word for “seventy,” you have to combine the number 60 with numbers 10 to 19:
- 70 = seventy (sixty ten)
- 71 = seventy-one (sixty eleven)
- 75 = seventy-five (sixty fifteen)
The number 80 is formed in a completely different way: you think of it as “four times twenty”:
- 80 = four-vingts (four times twenty)
- 81 = quatre-vingt-un (four times twenty-one)
How to learn French numbers faster
French is a Romance language, which means it has many similarities with Spanish. This makes learning numbers easier, as there are patterns we can identify. However, there are still some unique rules we need to keep in mind.
One of the best ways to learn French numbers is through constant practice. Here are some methods that will help you retain numbers better:
- Daily repetition: Spend a few minutes each day reviewing numbers.
- Playing with numbers: Use games such as memory games with cards showing the number and how to write it in French.
- Mobile apps: Use apps that help you practice the pronunciation of numbers and do interactive exercises.
Pronunciation of numbers in French
One of the most challenging aspects of French is pronunciation. Here are some tips to improve your pronunciation of numbers:
- The guttural "R": The French “R” is pronounced from the back of the throat. Practicing its pronunciation is essential to sound more natural.
- Nasal vowels: For numbers like “cinq” (five) or “vingt” (twenty), nasal pronunciation is crucial. Try to make the sound as if you were congested.
- The "X" in numbers: In numbers like “six” or “dix” the “X” is pronounced like an “S.” This also happens in other numbers when the “X” is at the end of a word.
It is important to remember that French is not as phonetic as Spanish, which means that words are not always read as they are written.
The importance of daily practice
The more you use numbers in real-life situations, the easier it will be to master them. We recommend applying this knowledge to everyday tasks such as reading prices in French when shopping, or trying to count in French while looking at the time.
- Read prices in French stores.
- Write down your important appointments in French.
- Practice simple mental calculations, such as adding and subtracting numbers.
Remember: The key to learning numbers in French is regular practice and daily repetition in real-life situations.
With patience and perseverance, you will be able to master French numbers and apply them fluently in your daily life. Don't hesitate to use apps or interact with native speakers to improve your pronunciation and understanding.