French 1 / Unit 2: Numbers, Dates and Time
2.1 Numbers 0 to 20
Notes
Learn these first; every larger number is built from them.
| Nombre | Français | Nombre | Français |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | zéro | 11 | onze |
| 1 | un | 12 | douze |
| 2 | deux | 13 | treize |
| 3 | trois | 14 | quatorze |
| 4 | quatre | 15 | quinze |
| 5 | cinq | 16 | seize |
| 6 | six | 17 | dix-sept |
| 7 | sept | 18 | dix-huit |
| 8 | huit | 19 | dix-neuf |
| 9 | neuf | 20 | vingt |
| 10 | dix |
- From 17 on, the numbers are built as ten + number: dix-sept, dix-huit, dix-neuf.
- Final consonants are usually silent, but in liaison they link: six élèves (see-zay-lev).
- Ask someone's age or a quantity with Combien ? (how many / how much).
Practice
How do you write 16 in French?
16 is seize. French does not say "dix-six"; the pattern ten + number starts at 17.
Which number is « treize » ?
Treize is 13. Trois is 3 and trente is 30.
Maya counts: « neuf, dix, onze, ... » What comes next?
After onze (11) comes douze (12).
Ready for more? Take the Unit 2 test.