Learning French numbers can be a challenge, especially when faced with their unique counting system. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up your skills, mastering French numbers is essential for daily conversations, travel, or even conducting business in French-speaking regions. In this article, we’ll break down the essential grammar rules and provide tips to help you confidently understand and use French numbers.

1. The Basics of French Numbers: 0 to 20

The foundation of French numbers starts with 0 to 20. These numbers are essential because they form the building blocks for larger numbers. Here’s a quick overview:

• 0: zéro

• 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

2. Counting Beyond 20: Rules to Remember

21, 31, 41, etc.: The Insertion of "et"

For numbers like 21, 31, 41, and so on, the word "et" (meaning "and") is inserted:

• 21: vingt et un

• 31: trente et un

However, this rule applies only to numbers ending in 1. For other numbers, the conjunction "et" is omitted:

• 22: vingt-deux

• 32: trente-deux

Numbers 70-99: A Unique Pattern

French numbers from 70 to 99 can seem tricky due to their reliance on addition and multiplication:

• 70-79: Start with "soixante" (60) and add 10 to 19:

  • 70: soixante-dix (60 + 10)

  • 71: soixante-onze (60 + 11)

• 80-99: Begin with "quatre-vingts" (literally "four twenties") and add:

  • 80: quatre-vingts

  • 81: quatre-vingt-un

  • 91: quatre-vingt-onze

3. Plurals with French Numbers

The plural rule applies to "vingt" and "cent" but only under certain conditions:

• Vingt and cent take an "s" when multiplied but not followed by another number:

  • 80: quatre-vingts (with an "s")

  • 81: quatre-vingt-un (no "s")

• Mille (thousand) never takes an "s," regardless of context:

  • 2,000: deux mille

4. Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) are used to indicate order. In French, they are formed by adding -ième to the cardinal number, with a few exceptions:

• 1st: premier/première

• 2nd: deuxième (or second/seconde)

• 3rd: troisième

For numbers ending in -e, such as quatre (4), the final -e is dropped before adding -ième:

• 4th: quatrième

5. Common Uses of Numbers in French

Telling Time

French uses the 24-hour clock for formal settings, but the 12-hour clock is common in casual conversations. Don’t forget to use "heure(s)" after the hour:

• 3:00: trois heures

• 15:00: quinze heures

Dates

French dates follow the day-month-year format, and ordinal numbers are only used for the first day of the month:

• 1st of January: le premier janvier

• 5th of March: le 5 mars

Prices and Currency

When stating prices, the currency symbol follows the number:

• €10: dix euros

• €4.50: quatre euros cinquante

6. Tips to Master French Numbers

1. Practice Daily: Incorporate numbers into your routine by reading prices, dates, or times aloud.

2. Use Flashcards: Create flashcards to test yourself on tricky numbers, especially those between 70 and 99.

3. Listen and Repeat: Watch French videos or listen to audio that includes numbers to familiarize yourself with their pronunciation.

   Conclusion

Understanding French numbers requires a mix of memorization and practice, but with the right approach, you'll master them in no time. Focus on the rules outlined here, and don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in real-world scenarios where numbers are used.