French may seem complicated because of the pronunciation and spelling of words, but learning numbers is the first step to understanding the language. When it comes to numbers, many beginners have to work hard to master their structure. After all, in this language, digits and numbers are formed according to a certain logic, which is not always intuitive for those who are used to the decimal system. WomanEL tells you how to use digits and numbers correctly in French.
Content Numbers and numerals in French: from zero to tenWhy should you learn numbers at the beginning of your studies?How to quickly memorize French numbers?Interesting facts about French numbersHow to overcome the language barrier in numbers 
Numbers and numerals in French: how to pronounce and write correctly. Source: freepik.com
Numbers and numerals in French: from zero to ten
If you are just starting to learn French, knowing the numbers from 0 to 10 will be an important foundation for further learning. The pronunciation is different from Ukrainian, and some sounds can be difficult for those who are just getting acquainted with the language. However, if you pay attention to correct articulation, the learning process will become much easier.
Here's how the basic numbers sound in French:
• 0 — zero (zero)
• 1 — un (en)
• 2 — deux (two)
• 3 — trois (trois)
• 4 — quatre (four)
• 5 — cinq (five)
• 6 — six (six)
• 7 — sept (set)
• 8 — huit (huit)
• 9 — neuf (new)
• 10 — dix (dis)
To pronounce numbers correctly, it is important to remember the nasal sounds in the words “un” and “cinq”, as well as the fact that the French do not pronounce the final consonants in some cases, such as in “huit”.
Why is it worth learning numbers at the beginning of your studies?
Knowing numbers will help not only with counting, but also in everyday situations: when ordering in a cafe, shopping, talking about the time or date. French numbers are found in many expressions, for example, “mettre les deux pieds dans le même sabot” means to be slow in actions, and the phrase “jamais deux sans trois” is used when events are repeated for the third time.
Basic rules and life hacks for quick learning… Source: freepik.com
How to quickly memorize French numbers?
To help you learn numbers, you can use associations, repeat them out loud, or use the flashcard method. Additionally, you should listen to French in movies, songs, or audio lessons to get used to the pronunciation.
Once you have mastered the basic numbers, the next step is to learn tens and hundreds, as the French counting system has its own characteristics. But it is worth starting with the first ten numbers – they will become a solid foundation in learning the language.
One of the most interesting features of French numbers is that the number system changes after 69. For example, the number 70 is pronounced “soixante-dix” (which literally means “sixty-ten”), 80 is pronounced “quatre-vingts” (“four twenty”), and 90 is pronounced “quatre-vingt-dix” (“four twenty-ten”).
If you've never encountered this way of counting before, it might seem strange, as many languages use the direct decimal principle. However, with a little practice, the system will start to make sense.
Interesting facts about French numbers
The French number system has historical roots. For example, the numbering from 70 to 99, which seems complicated, has Celtic origins. However, in Belgium, Switzerland and some French-speaking countries in Africa, a different way is used – there the number 70 sounds like “septante”, 80 – “huitante” or “octante”, and 90 – “nonante”. It is much simpler, and if you hear such variants, know that these are also correct forms.
Another interesting point is that the French often abbreviate large numbers in colloquial speech. For example, instead of saying “mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix-neuf” (1999), they might simply say “quatre-vingt-dix-neuf.” This is similar to English, where they often omit the thousand, saying, for example, “ninety-nine” instead of “one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine.”
How to overcome the language barrier in numbers
Even if you think that French numbers are too difficult, don't despair. The most important thing is practice and gradually getting used to the new system. The more you use them, the sooner they will stop being a puzzle for you. And even better – listen to native speakers and repeat after them. Pronouncing and perceiving numbers by ear is the key to success in learning French.
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