How Do You Say 79 In French

Imagine you're in a bustling Parisian market, haggling for the freshest produce. You need seventy-nine tomatoes, but the vendor only understands French. Panic sets in. How do you bridge this numerical gap? Understanding how to say numbers in French, especially tricky ones like 79, can transform your travel experiences and open doors to more profound cultural exchanges.

Learning a new language is like unlocking a secret code. Numbers, often the first thing we learn, are the building blocks of communication. Yet, French numbers, particularly those from 70 onwards, have a quirky system that can initially seem perplexing. Saying "seventy-nine" in French is not as straightforward as it might be in other languages. It requires a bit of mental gymnastics, but once you grasp the logic, it becomes surprisingly simple. This article will guide you through the intricacies of French numbers, focusing on the magic formula for 79 and beyond.

Main Subheading

The French number system has a unique structure, especially when you get to the higher numbers. Unlike English, which has distinct words for each number up to one hundred, French relies on a combination of base numbers and mathematical operations. This system can be both fascinating and initially confusing for learners.

To truly understand how to say "seventy-nine" in French, we need to delve into the composition of French numbers. The French count differently than most other languages. After sixty, instead of creating new words for each ten, they start combining numbers. So, seventy becomes sixty-ten (soixante-dix). Eighty is four-twenty (quatre-vingts), and ninety is four-twenty-ten (quatre-vingt-dix). This peculiar system has historical roots and is an integral part of the French language. Understanding this foundation makes deciphering numbers like 79 much more manageable.

Comprehensive Overview

The Building Blocks: French Numbers 1-69

Before tackling 79, it's essential to be comfortable with the basic French numbers from 1 to 69. These are the foundation upon which the more complex numbers are built.

• One: un
• Two: deux
• Three: trois
• Four: quatre
• Five: cinq
• Six: six
• Seven: sept
• Eight: huit
• Nine: neuf
• Ten: dix
• Eleven: onze
• Twelve: douze
• Thirteen: treize
• Fourteen: quatorze
• Fifteen: quinze
• Sixteen: seize
• Twenty: vingt
• Thirty: trente
• Forty: quarante
• Fifty: cinquante
• Sixty: soixante

Numbers like 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 follow a simple pattern: the base number (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) plus "et un" (and one). For example, 21 is vingt et un. The numbers 22-29, 32-39, 42-49, 52-59 and 62-69 follow a pattern of the base number plus the single digit number. For example, 22 is vingt-deux.

Decoding 79: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's break down how to say "seventy-nine" in French:

1. Seventy: In French, seventy is soixante-dix. This literally translates to "sixty-ten."
2. Nine: The French word for nine is neuf.
3. Putting it Together: To say seventy-nine, you combine "sixty-ten" with "nine." Thus, seventy-nine in French is soixante-dix-neuf.

It might seem like a mouthful at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. The key is to remember that French numbers from 70-79 are constructed by adding to the number 60.

The Logic Behind the System

The French number system's quirkiness stems from historical linguistic evolution. The base-20 counting system, called vigesimal, was once more widespread in Europe, particularly in Celtic languages. While most of Europe shifted to a base-10 (decimal) system, French retained traces of the vigesimal system, especially in numbers above 60.

This historical context explains why 80 is quatre-vingts (four twenties) and 90 is quatre-vingt-dix (four twenties ten). Understanding this history can provide a deeper appreciation for the French language and its unique characteristics.

Variations and Regional Differences

It's also worth noting that some French-speaking regions, particularly in Switzerland and Belgium, use a simpler system for seventy, eighty, and ninety.

• In Switzerland, seventy is septante, eighty is huitante (or octante in some areas), and ninety is nonante.
• In Belgium, seventy is septante and ninety is nonante, but eighty is usually quatre-vingts, as in France.

These regional variations can be less confusing for learners, but it's important to be aware of the standard French usage, soixante-dix, quatre-vingts, and quatre-vingt-dix, as it is widely used and understood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning French numbers, it's common to make a few mistakes along the way. Here are some to watch out for:

• Forgetting the hyphen: Remember to use hyphens between the words in numbers like soixante-dix-neuf.
• Incorrectly using "et": The conjunction "et" (and) is only used in 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61. It is not used in numbers like 71, 72, etc.
• Mixing up similar-sounding numbers: Be careful not to confuse six (six) with dix (ten) or seize (sixteen).
• Not practicing regularly: Like any language skill, fluency in French numbers requires consistent practice.

Trends and Latest Developments

While the core structure of French numbers remains consistent, there are ongoing discussions and occasional proposals for simplifying the system. The complexity of numbers like quatre-vingt-dix has led some linguists and educators to advocate for adopting the Swiss and Belgian versions (septante, huitante/octante, nonante) in standard French.

However, these proposals have faced resistance, as many view the current system as an integral part of French linguistic identity. As of now, there are no widespread changes on the horizon, but the debate continues, reflecting the dynamic nature of language.

In recent years, language learning apps and online resources have increasingly incorporated interactive exercises and games to help learners master French numbers. These tools often focus on pronunciation, listening comprehension, and practical usage in everyday scenarios.

Tips and Expert Advice

Mastering French numbers takes practice, but here are some tips to help you along the way:

1. Start with the basics: Make sure you have a solid understanding of numbers 1-20 before moving on to more complex constructions. Repetition is key to memorizing these foundational numbers.

   • Use flashcards, online quizzes, or language learning apps to drill yourself on these numbers.
   • Try counting objects around you in French to reinforce your knowledge.

2. Break down the patterns: Understand how numbers 21-69 are formed by combining tens and units. Recognize when to use "et" and when not to.

   • Create a chart or table that illustrates the pattern of number formation.
   • Practice writing out numbers in French to solidify your understanding.

3. Focus on numbers 70-99: Pay special attention to the structure of these numbers, as they require a bit more mental calculation. Remember that 70-79 are based on 60, while 80 and 90 are based on 20.

   • Visualize the numbers as mathematical equations (e.g., 79 = 60 + 10 + 9).
   • Use mnemonic devices to remember the formulas (e.g., "Sixty-ten-nine" for 79).

4. Practice pronunciation: French pronunciation can be tricky, so pay attention to the sounds of each number. Use online resources or language learning apps to hear native speakers pronounce the numbers.

   • Record yourself saying the numbers and compare your pronunciation to that of native speakers.
   • Pay attention to the liaison (linking of sounds) between words in numbers like soixante-dix.

5. Use numbers in real-life situations: The best way to learn numbers is to use them in practical contexts. Practice counting money, telling time, or giving your phone number in French.

   • Engage in conversations with native French speakers and ask them to help you with your pronunciation and usage.
   • Watch French movies or TV shows and pay attention to how numbers are used in dialogue.

6. Be patient and persistent: Learning a new language takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes along the way. The key is to keep practicing and stay motivated.

   • Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
   • Join a French language learning community or find a language partner to practice with.

FAQ

Q: How do you say "seventy" in French?

A: Seventy in French is soixante-dix, which literally means "sixty-ten."

Q: What is the easiest way to remember how to say 79 in French?

A: Think of it as "sixty" + "ten" + "nine," which translates to soixante-dix-neuf.

Q: Are there regional variations for saying 79 in French?

A: In Switzerland, seventy is septante, so seventy-nine would be septante-neuf. In Belgium, seventy is also septante, so seventy-nine would be septante-neuf.

Q: Why is the French number system so complicated?

A: The French number system retains traces of a historical base-20 (vigesimal) counting system, which explains the use of quatre-vingts (four twenties) for eighty and quatre-vingt-dix (four twenties ten) for ninety.

Q: Is it acceptable to use the Swiss or Belgian variations in France?

A: While the Swiss and Belgian variations are understood in France, the standard French terms (soixante-dix, quatre-vingts, quatre-vingt-dix) are more commonly used.

Conclusion

Mastering French numbers, especially soixante-dix-neuf (seventy-nine), might seem daunting at first. However, by understanding the underlying logic and practicing consistently, you can confidently navigate the French numerical landscape. Remember to break down the numbers into their component parts, practice pronunciation, and use your newfound knowledge in real-life situations.

Now that you know how to say seventy-nine in French, why not test your skills? Try counting from 70 to 80 in French. Share your attempt in the comments below, and let's encourage each other on our language-learning journeys!