Expert tips to quickly learn numbers in French

Numbers in French are notorious for their seemingly archaic and eccentric rules. However, they are among the first fundamental concepts to master before you can move on to more complex topics.

In this guide, Thao & Co. provides helpful insights into the rules of counting numbers in French, and offers useful tips to make learning more enjoyable and efficient.

How to write and say French numbers from 1 to 10 and up to 20

The first numbers in French from 1 to 20 are self-explanatory:

A closer look at numbers from 10 to 20 shows that:

1. • Numbers from 11 to 16 are unique single words.
2. • For 17, 18, and 19, the number 10 (dix) is followed by a ones digit from 7 to 9.
3. • Note that there is a hyphen connecting the tens and ones digits for 17, 18, and 19.

Related: Interesting facts about the French alphabet

How to write and say French numbers from 1 to 1000

Remember these rules for numbers in French to speak and write with confidence all numbers from 1 to more than 100:

Rules for numbers from 1 to 99

+ Each number from 1 to 20 has a unique word for them, which you have to learn by heart.

+ For numbers from 21 to 69, use this rule:

A base number (+et) + a digit from 1 to 9

Here are the base numbers up to 60:

*Attention: use “et” (and) only for numbers ending with 1. Including: 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61.

+ Numbers from 70 to 99 use twenty as a base number and involve some maths:

Numbers in French from 100-1000 with pronunciation

For groups of hundred starting from 100 (cent), use a word for the numbers from 2 to 9, then add “cent” with an “s.” Examples:

1. 200: deux cents
2. 300: trois cents
3. 400: quatre cents

For groups of hundred with a ones digit other than 0, the word for ones digit should follow that of the hundreds digit. Examples:

1. 101: cent un
2. 306: trois cent six
3. 709: sept cent neuf

For numbers whose tens and ones digit are other than 0, you’ll need to add and/or multiply them, then say the total after the hundreds digit. Examples:

1. 143: cent quarante-trois
2. 783: sept cent quatre-vingt trois
3. 999: neuf cent quatre-vingt dix-neuf

*Attention: For numbers greater than 200, only use “cents” for round hundreds.

When in doubt, consult a reputable French dictionary.

Numbers in French from 0 to 100

You can find a table of numbers in French with standard pronunciation below: A PDF file is also available for free for your convenience when learning French.

⇲ Numbers in French from 0 to 100 with pronunciation – PDF Download

Beginner tips to master numbers in French

Don’t try to cram numbers one by one—use these practical tips to make learning more enjoyable:

1. • Learn numbers in groups: Instead of picking up how to speak numbers as you study French, try to learn them in groups of 0-10, 11-19, and round tens (20, 30, 40, etc.) before tackling the rest.
2. • Speak as you write: Read out loud a number at least three times after writing it. For extra practice, record yourself doing so and correct any pronunciation mistakes.
3. • Gamify your learning: Make use of flashcards apps, number games, and French-learning apps such as Duolingo or Memrise to revise vocabulary.
4. • Listen and repeat and stick to a schedule: Dedicate 5-10 minutes each day for practice. You can listen and repeat after a native speaker’s recording, for example. With enough repetition, speaking numbers in French will become a second nature.

Real also: Most popular languages in France

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