Introduction
Counting is a fundamental part of learning any language. In French, mastering numbers will help you with daily activities like shopping, telling time, and even basic arithmetic.
Numbers 1 to 10
Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in French:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 1 | un |
| 2 | deux |
| 3 | trois |
| 4 | quatre |
| 5 | cinq |
| 6 | six |
| 7 | sept |
| 8 | huit |
| 9 | neuf |
| 10 | dix |
Numbers 11 to 20
These are the numbers from 11 to 20:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 11 | onze |
| 12 | douze |
| 13 | treize |
| 14 | quatorze |
| 15 | quinze |
| 16 | seize |
| 17 | dix-sept |
| 18 | dix-huit |
| 19 | dix-neuf |
| 20 | vingt |
Multiples of 10
Knowing the multiples of 10 is crucial for counting in larger numbers:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 10 | dix |
| 20 | vingt |
| 30 | trente |
| 40 | quarante |
| 50 | cinquante |
| 60 | soixante |
| 70 | soixante-dix |
| 80 | quatre-vingts |
| 90 | quatre-vingt-dix |
| 100 | cent |
Combining Numbers
21 to 29
In French, numbers from 21 to 29 follow a pattern similar to English, combining the tens with the unit:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 21 | vingt et un |
| 22 | vingt-deux |
| 23 | vingt-trois |
| 24 | vingt-quatre |
| 25 | vingt-cinq |
| 26 | vingt-six |
| 27 | vingt-sept |
| 28 | vingt-huit |
| 29 | vingt-neuf |
31 to 39
The pattern continues from 31 to 39:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 31 | trente et un |
| 32 | trente-deux |
| 33 | trente-trois |
| 34 | trente-quatre |
| 35 | trente-cinq |
| 36 | trente-six |
| 37 | trente-sept |
| 38 | trente-huit |
| 39 | trente-neuf |
41 to 49
Here are the numbers from 41 to 49:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 41 | quarante et un |
| 42 | quarante-deux |
| 43 | quarante-trois |
| 44 | quarante-quatre |
| 45 | quarante-cinq |
| 46 | quarante-six |
| 47 | quarante-sept |
| 48 | quarante-huit |
| 49 | quarante-neuf |
51 to 59
From 51 to 59, the pattern remains:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 51 | cinquante et un |
| 52 | cinquante-deux |
| 53 | cinquante-trois |
| 54 | cinquante-quatre |
| 55 | cinquante-cinq |
| 56 | cinquante-six |
| 57 | cinquante-sept |
| 58 | cinquante-huit |
| 59 | cinquante-neuf |
Special Structures
70 to 79
In French, 70 is structured as "sixty-ten," and the numbers that follow are built similarly:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 70 | soixante-dix |
| 71 | soixante et onze |
| 72 | soixante-douze |
| 73 | soixante-treize |
| 74 | soixante-quatorze |
| 75 | soixante-quinze |
| 76 | soixante-seize |
| 77 | soixante-dix-sept |
| 78 | soixante-dix-huit |
| 79 | soixante-dix-neuf |
80 to 89
The number 80 is “four twenties,” and the pattern continues:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 80 | quatre-vingts |
| 81 | quatre-vingt-un |
| 82 | quatre-vingt-deux |
| 83 | quatre-vingt-trois |
| 84 | quatre-vingt-quatre |
| 85 | quatre-vingt-cinq |
| 86 | quatre-vingt-six |
| 87 | quatre-vingt-sept |
| 88 | quatre-vingt-huit |
| 89 | quatre-vingt-neuf |
90 to 99
Similarly, 90 is “four twenties ten,” and follows a unique structure:
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 90 | quatre-vingt-dix |
| 91 | quatre-vingt-onze |
| 92 | quatre-vingt-douze |
| 93 | quatre-vingt-treize |
| 94 | quatre-vingt-quatorze |
| 95 | quatre-vingt-quinze |
| 96 | quatre-vingt-seize |
| 97 | quatre-vingt-dix-sept |
| 98 | quatre-vingt-dix-huit |
| 99 | quatre-vingt-dix-neuf |
Simple Arithmetic in French
Basic Operations
- Addition: plus
- Example: trois plus deux égalent cinq (3 + 2 = 5)
- Subtraction: moins
- Example: cinq moins un égale quatre (5 - 1 = 4)
- Multiplication: fois
- Example: deux fois trois égalent six (2 × 3 = 6)
- Division: divisé par
- Example: quatre divisé par deux égale deux (4 ÷ 2 = 2)
- Equals: égale
- Used to indicate the result of an operation.
Examples
- Quatre plus cinq égale neuf (4 + 5 = 9)
- Dix moins trois égale sept (10 - 3 = 7)
- Six fois deux égale douze (6 × 2 = 12)
- Huit divisé par deux égale quatre (8 ÷ 2 = 4)
Practice & Application
Practice Sentences
- Combien ça coûte ?
- Il est trois heures.
- J'ai deux frères et une sœur.
- Nous partons à sept heures.
- Mon numéro de téléphone est...
Real-World Usage
- Shopping: Use numbers to discuss prices, quantities, and measurements.
- Time: Telling the time relies heavily on knowing numbers.
- Addresses: Street numbers and postal codes are essential for navigation.
Interactive Exercises
- Count to 10: Practice saying the numbers from 1 to 10 aloud.
- Create Prices: Choose items around you and assign them prices in French (e.g., "Ce livre coûte cinq euros.").
- Tell the Time: Look at a clock and describe the time in French (e.g., "Il est deux heures.").
- Math Practice: Solve simple arithmetic problems in French:
Additional Resources
- Online Dictionaries: Help with pronunciation and additional vocabulary.
- Language Apps: Practice counting and arithmetic through interactive exercises.
- Videos: Watch tutorials and lessons on French numbers for visual and auditory reinforcement.
Conclusion
Mastering numbers in French is an essential skill that opens doors to effective communication in everyday situations. From counting to performing simple arithmetic, numbers are integral to understanding and being understood in French-speaking environments.