In French, "one hundred" is cent. It’s a cardinal number used to count, quantify, and express amounts. Beyond just 100, cent forms the base for all multiples of 100 and plays a crucial role in larger numbers.
- cent = 100
- Used as a noun, adjective, and part of composite numbers
- Multiples: 200 = deux cents, 300 = trois cents, etc.
The French word for one hundred is 'cent.'
The word for 'one hundred' in French is 'cent.'
Using "Cent" for 100 and Multiples
- 100 = cent
- 200 = deux cents
- 300 = trois cents
- 400 = quatre cents, etc.
For multiples, add an -s to cent for plural (when not followed by another number):
deux cents (200), but deux cent un (201) — no -s if more numbers follow.
200 is 'deux cents' with an 's' at the end of 'cents.'
300 is 'trois cents.'
"Cent" in Larger Numbers
- 150 = cent cinquante
- 175 = cent soixante-quinze
- 210 = deux cent dix (no 's' on cent)
- 999 = neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf
When cent precedes another number, it stays singular (no -s):
cent cinquante (150), deux cent dix (210)
150 is 'cent cinquante.'
210 is 'deux cent dix' (no 's' on cent).
Exercises
- What are the rules for using cent and cents in French numbers?
- How do you say 300, 450, and 520 in French?
- Explain why cent loses its “s” in 201 but keeps it in 200.
Conclusion
Cent is essential for 100 and all hundreds beyond, with special plural rules.
- 100 = cent; multiples get -s (200 = deux cents) if alone
- No -s if followed by more numbers (201 = deux cent un)
- Used in building larger, complex numbers (e.g., 150 = cent cinquante)