Being able to count and tell the time are fundamental skills when learning any new language. In French, these concepts are essential for everyday interactions, from shopping and making appointments to simply understanding schedules. This guide will walk you through the basics of French numbers (les nombres) and telling time (dire l'heure).

Mastering these basics will build a strong foundation for your French learning journey.

Mastering French Numbers (Les Nombres)

French numbers follow patterns, but there are a few unique twists, especially between 60 and 99, that require specific attention.

Numbers 0-10

• 0 - zéro
• 1 - un (m.) / une (f.)
• 2 - deux
• 3 - trois
• 4 - quatre
• 5 - cinq
• 6 - six
• 7 - sept
• 8 - huit
• 9 - neuf
• 10 - dix

Numbers 11-19

These have unique forms, similar to English "eleven" and "twelve".

• 11 - onze
• 12 - douze
• 13 - treize
• 14 - quatorze
• 15 - quinze
• 16 - seize
• 17 - dix-sept (10+7)
• 18 - dix-huit (10+8)
• 19 - dix-neuf (10+9)

Tens (20-60)

These follow a more regular pattern.

• 20 - vingt
• 30 - trente
• 40 - quarante
• 50 - cinquante
• 60 - soixante

For numbers like 21, 31, etc., you use et un (and one): vingt et un (21), trente et un (31). For others, just hyphenate: vingt-deux (22), quarante-cinq (45).

The Tricky Part: 70, 80, 90

This is where French numbering gets interesting!

• 70s: Based on 60 (soixante).
  • 70 - soixante-dix (sixty-ten)
  • 71 - soixante et onze (sixty and eleven)
  • 75 - soixante-quinze (sixty-fifteen)
  • 79 - soixante-dix-neuf (sixty-nineteen)
• 80s: Based on 20 (vingt).
  • 80 - quatre-vingts (four-twenties - note the 's')
  • 81 - quatre-vingt-un (four-twenty-one - no 's' here)
  • 88 - quatre-vingt-huit (four-twenty-eight)
• 90s: Based on 80 (quatre-vingt).
  • 90 - quatre-vingt-dix (four-twenty-ten)
  • 91 - quatre-vingt-onze (four-twenty-eleven)
  • 99 - quatre-vingt-dix-neuf (four-twenty-nineteen)

100 and Beyond

• 100 - cent
• 101 - cent un
• 200 - deux cents (note the 's' when it's exactly 200, 300 etc.)
• 250 - deux cent cinquante (no 's' on cent if followed by another number)
• 1000 - mille (never takes an 's')
• 2000 - deux mille
• 1,000,000 - un million

Telling Time in French (Dire l'heure)

Knowing how to ask for and state the time is crucial for daily life.

Asking the Time

The most common way to ask "What time is it?" is:

• Quelle heure est-il ?

Basic Structure

The basic structure for telling the time is Il est + [number] + heure(s).

• Il est une heure. (It's 1 o'clock.) - Note: une because heure is feminine.
• Il est trois heures. (It's 3 o'clock.) - Note: plural heures for 2 or more.
• Il est dix heures. (It's 10 o'clock.)

Minutes Past the Hour

You simply add the number of minutes after heure(s).

• Il est deux heures dix. (It's 2:10.)
• Il est neuf heures vingt-cinq. (It's 9:25.)

For quarter and half past, use et quart and et demie:

• Il est sept heures et quart. (It's 7:15.)
• Il est midi et demie. (It's 12:30 PM.) - Note: demie agrees with feminine heure.
• Il est une heure et demie. (It's 1:30.)

Minutes To the Hour

Use moins (minus) followed by the number of minutes or le quart.

• Il est six heures moins le quart. (It's 5:45 - six minus the quarter.)
• Il est onze heures moins vingt. (It's 10:40 - eleven minus twenty.)
• Il est minuit moins dix. (It's 11:50 PM - midnight minus ten.)

Noon and Midnight

• Il est midi. (It's noon / 12:00 PM.)
• Il est minuit. (It's midnight / 12:00 AM.)

AM/PM vs. 24-Hour Clock

While the 12-hour clock is used in conversation, the 24-hour clock (l'heure officielle) is very common, especially in official contexts (schedules, appointments). To specify AM/PM in conversation, you can add:

• du matin (in the morning - approx. 1 AM to noon)
• de l'après-midi (in the afternoon - approx. 1 PM to 6 PM)
• du soir (in the evening - approx. 6 PM to midnight)

Examples:

• Il est huit heures du matin. (It's 8:00 AM.)
• Il est quinze heures. (It's 3:00 PM - using 24h clock)
• Il est trois heures de l'après-midi. (It's 3:00 PM - specifying)
• Il est vingt heures. (It's 8:00 PM - using 24h clock)
• Il est huit heures du soir. (It's 8:00 PM - specifying)

Tips for Learning French Numbers and Time

• Practice Counting Daily: Count objects around you, steps you take, items on a list.
• Use Flashcards: Especially helpful for the tricky 70s, 80s, and 90s. Write the numeral on one side, the French word on the other.
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to time announcements in French videos, podcasts, or train stations (if possible). Notice the use of the 24-hour clock.
• Say the Time Out Loud: Look at a clock and practice saying the current time in French throughout the day.
• Consistent Exposure: Regular practice is key. Integrate these basics into your study routine. Our structured online French courses provide ample practice.

Conclusion

Numbers and time are indispensable tools for navigating the French language. While some French numbers have unique structures, consistent practice will make them feel natural. By mastering how to count and tell time, you'll significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in everyday French situations.

Keep practicing, and soon asking "Quelle heure est-il ?" and understanding the answer will be second nature!