Numbers
Understanding French Numbers
- French numbers are crucial for offering relevant information such as age, time, address, price, and so forth.
- Zero is known as "zéro" in French.
- Numbers 1-20 are unique and should be memorised separately.
- 1-16 are simple as the numbers 1-10 while 11-16 are formed with the base of 10 ("dix") and the corresponding number from 1-6. For example, 11 is "onze", 12 is "douze", 15 is "quinze", and 16 is "seize".
- The numbers 17-19 are formed by combining 10 ("dix") with numbers 7-9. For example, 17 is "dix-sept", 18 is "dix-huit", and 19 is "dix-neuf".
- French Numbers from 20-69 follow a regular pattern. The number 20 is "vingt" and the rest are formed by adding the numbers 1-9. For example, 21 is "vingt et un", 30 is "trente", 45 is "quarante-cinq", and 60 is "soixante".
- Numbers 70-79 are different. Seventy (70) is "soixante-dix" (sixty-ten). Numbers from 71-79 are formed by adding to "soixante-dix". For example, 72 is "soixante-douze" (sixty-twelve).
- The number 80 - 89 in French is "quatre-vingts" (four twenties). Numbers 81 to 89 are formed with "quatre-vingts-" plus 1-9. For example, 81 is "quatre-vingt-un".
- Numbers 90-99 are made with "quatre-vingt-dix" (four twenties ten) plus the numbers 1-9. For example, 95 is "quatre-vingt-quinze".
- Beyond this, the counting continues in a similar pattern, with 100 being "cent", 1000 being "mille", a million being "un million" and a billion being "un milliard".
Importance of Pronunciation
- It is important to remember the correct pronunciation of the numbers in French, without the English accent.
- Practice pronouncing the silent letters, nasal sounds, and unique French "r" sound.
- Watch out for liaison (linking sounds) in numbers like "quatre-vingts".
Practice is Key
- Regular practise is important to become confident in counting and using numbers in French.
- Make use of flashcards, online quizzes, interactive games, and so forth to improve your recall speed and accuracy.