Les compts - The Countings
In French, numbers are an essential part of the language, and understanding them is crucial for basic communication, telling time, shopping, and more. Here is an overview of the French number system and some tips for learning and using numbers in French.
Cardinal Numbers: The French number system is based on the decimal system, and the cardinal numbers from 1 to 20 are unique. Here are the cardinal numbers from 1 to 20 in French:
1 - un 2 - deux 3 - trois 4 - quatre 5 - cinq 6 - six 7 - sept 8 - huit 9 - neuf 10 - dix 11 - onze 12 - douze 13 - treize 14 - quatorze 15 - quinze 16 - seize 17 - dix-sept 18 - dix-huit 19 - dix-neuf 20 - vingt
From 21 to 69, the numbers are formed by combining the tens and units. For example, 21 is "vingt et un" (20 and 1), 34 is "trente-quatre" (30 and 4), and 49 is "quarante-neuf" (40 and 9). From 70 to 99, the numbers are formed by combining the tens with "dix" (ten) and the units. For example, 71 is "soixante et onze" (60 and 11), 84 is "quatre-vingt-quatre" (80 and 4), and 96 is "quatre-vingt-seize" (80 and 16).
From 100 to 1,000, the hundreds are formed by adding the cardinal number before "cent" (100), except for 100 itself, which is "cent." For example, 200 is "deux cents" (2 x 100), 500 is "cinq cents" (5 x 100), and 900 is "neuf cents" (9 x 100). From 1,000 and up, the thousands are formed by adding the cardinal number before "mille" (thousand). For example, 2,000 is "deux mille" (2 x 1000), 5,000 is "cinq mille" (5 x 1000), and 10,000 is "dix mille" (10 x 1000).
Ordinal Numbers: In French, ordinal numbers are formed by adding "-ième" to the cardinal number. For example, 1st is "premier" (masc.) or "première" (fem.), 2nd is "deuxième," 3rd is "troisième," and so on. However, the numbers 1, 2, and 3 have irregular forms: 1st is "premier/première," 2nd is "deuxième," and 3rd is "troisième."
Tips for Learning and Using Numbers in French:
Practice regularly: Practice saying and writing numbers in French regularly to reinforce your knowledge.
Pay attention to pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of numbers in French, as some can be tricky for English speakers.
Memorize the unique numbers: Focus on memorizing the unique cardinal numbers from 1 to 20 and the irregular ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
Learn key phrases: Learn key phrases for telling time, counting money, and asking for prices to apply your knowledge of numbers in practical situations.
In conclusion, learning and using numbers in French is essential for basic communication and navigating everyday situations. By understanding the cardinal and
