Introduction to Large Numbers
In French, large numbers follow a logical pattern similar to English but with some unique terms and structures. Understanding these allows for clear communication of quantities in contexts such as finance, science, and everyday conversation.
Key Terms for Large Numbers
The term mille means "thousand" and stays invariable (no "s"). Million and milliard (billion) are treated as nouns and take an "s" in plural: deux millions, trois milliards. Numbers larger than a milliard are billion (trillion in English US), billiard, and so forth, based on the long scale system used in French.
Formation of Large Numbers
Thousands are combined straightforwardly: deux mille (2,000). For millions and beyond, the number precedes the noun: cinq millions, dix milliards. Unlike English, “and” is rarely used in large numbers except in the tens and units (e.g., vingt et un).
Pronunciation Tips
Pronouncing large numbers clearly requires attention to liaison and elision. For example, un million is pronounced smoothly with the "n" linking the two words. The "r" in milliard is rolled slightly in French pronunciation.
Practice Examples
- 1,200 = mille deux cents
- 3,000,000 = trois millions
- 7,500,000,000 = sept milliards cinq cents millions
Understanding these forms is crucial for gaining fluency in expressing large quantities in French.
