Introduction to French Numbers
French numbers from 1 to 20 are essential for basic counting, telling time, and everyday communication. They have distinct pronunciations and spellings that differ from English, and learning them well forms a foundation for understanding larger numbers.
Numbers One to Ten
The numbers one to ten in French are: un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, and dix. These form the basis of all other numbers and are simple enough to memorize with practice.
Numbers Eleven to Twenty
Numbers eleven to twenty in French include: onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, seize, dix-sept, dix-huit, dix-neuf, and vingt. These combine the base number ten (dix) with the numbers one to nine and introduce the number twenty (vingt), marking a new base for counting beyond.
Pronunciation Tips
French numbers often have nasal vowels and silent letters, so listening and repeating the correct pronunciation is important. For example, trois ends with a silent 's', and huit starts with a silent 'h'. Practice with audio resources or native speakers helps mastering these sounds.
Usage of Numbers in Context
Numbers 1–20 are used in dates, age, prices, and phone numbers in French. They are also the building blocks for counting higher numbers, making them useful for travel, shopping, and social interactions when speaking French.
