French Numbers

Perhaps one of the easiest aspects in this romance language, the French numbers will have you adding and subtracting in no time flat!

Important Notes on Numbers in French

Before you get started in learning the French numbers, here are a few quick notes to keep in mind:

• Start with the basics: One of the most important things you can do is to learn the numbers one through ten. This is because, in French, all of the numbers build upon themselves.

• Know the tens, twenties, etc.: The same rule stated above applies to all the other numbers. For example, the number ten in French is dix. From there, the numbers seventeen through nineteen are dix-sept, dix-huit, and dix-neuf.

The same rule holds true for twenty; vingt. As you move into twenty-one and twenty-two, the numbers become vingt et un (twenty and one), vingt-deux, etc.

• Using "cent": Numbers one hundred through nine hundred and ninety-nine all use the "cent" (or one hundred) at the end.

The French Numbers

Below is a handy chart filled with the French numbers. Use this chart as an easy-to-read reference guide:

To Learn Even More About French Numerals

A great way to begin practicing the numbers and inculcating it into your mind is to surround yourself with French. Here are some easy examples of how to do just that:

• Use a calendar: Many of us have a colorful wall calendar tacked up somewhere in our houses. If you are learning how to speak French, why not make that calendar French-oriented instead? This way, not only will you begin surrounding yourself with French, but you’ll also learn how to say the months in French as well.

• Date in French: Another trick to practicing the numbers is to date your documents in French. While this can be a time-consuming way of writing the date, it does give you plenty of opportunities to practice spelling the numbers in French.

• Try a book: While this is not the most novel of ideas, books are a great way to pick up a language. Some French books are simply too complicated to learn numbers from, but try a few to see what works for you. Children's French books may have numbers written in colorful and memorable ways that can help any age to memorize them.

Stave off boredom by purchasing a book that is fun and easy to read, like that of My First French Book: A Bilingual Introduction to Words, Numbers, Shapes and Colours by Mandy Stanley. Not only is this book cheap at just $7.15 a pop, but it will introduce you to whole set of simple phrases. The phrases here range from the numbers themselves, to shapes and colors; a fun way to learn for sure, while building your French vocabulary.

To Sum Up

Perhaps the very best thing about French numbers, like the French alphabet, is that they are easy to learn. All it really takes to speak and understand them is a willingness to learn, a drive and a passion for another language, and the willingness to make a few mistakes along the way. With patience, diligence and the right attitude, you’ll be reciting the numbers in French in no time!

Ready for Practice?

Test your French number knowledge with a Printable French Numbers Worksheet!

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