French Pronunciation Guide: Mastering the Basics of French Numbers361

French pronunciation can be quite challenging for non-native speakers, particularly when it comes to numbers. To help you navigate the nuances of French number pronunciation, this comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth overview of the correct pronunciations for the numbers 1 to 20.

Pronouncing French Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Un (œn)

The number "one" is pronounced "œn" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "e" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "n" is pronounced with a slightly nasalized sound.

2. Deux (dœ)

The number "two" is pronounced "dœ" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "e" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "u" is pronounced with a slightly rounded and nasalized sound.

3. Trois (tʁwa)

The number "three" is pronounced "tʁwa" with a trilled "r" sound. The "oi" is pronounced like the "wa" in "water," while the "s" is pronounced with a slight "sh" sound.

4. Quatre (katʁ)

The number "four" is pronounced "katʁ" with a trilled "r" sound. The "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "t" is pronounced with a slight "s" sound.

5. Cinq (sɛ̃k)

The number "five" is pronounced "sɛ̃k" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "n" is pronounced with a slightly nasalized sound.

6. Six (sis)

The number "six" is pronounced "sis" with a final "s" sound. The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "x" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

7. Sept (sɛt)

The number "seven" is pronounced "sɛt" with a final "t" sound. The "e" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "t" is pronounced with a slight "s" sound.

8. Huit (ɥit)

The number "eight" is pronounced "ɥit" with a rounded vowel sound. The "ui" is pronounced like the "wee" in "week," while the "t" is silent.

9. Neuf (nœf)

The number "nine" is pronounced "nœf" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "e" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "u" is pronounced with a slightly rounded and nasalized sound.

10. Dix (dis)

The number "ten" is pronounced "dis" with a final "s" sound. The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "x" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

11. Onze (ɔ̃z)

The number "eleven" is pronounced "ɔ̃z" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "o" is pronounced like the "a" in "car," while the "n" is pronounced with a slightly nasalized sound.

12. Douze (duz)

The number "twelve" is pronounced "duz" with a final "z" sound. The "ou" is pronounced like the "oo" in "boot," while the "z" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

13. Treize (tʁɛz)

The number "thirteen" is pronounced "tʁɛz" with a trilled "r" sound. The "ei" is pronounced like the "ay" in "day," while the "z" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

14. Quatorze (katɔʁz)

The number "fourteen" is pronounced "katɔʁz" with a trilled "r" sound. The "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "t" is pronounced with a slight "s" sound.

15. Quinze (kɛ̃z)

The number "fifteen" is pronounced "kɛ̃z" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "n" is pronounced with a slightly nasalized sound.

16. Seize (sɛz)

The number "sixteen" is pronounced "sɛz" with a final "z" sound. The "ei" is pronounced like the "ay" in "day," while the "z" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

17. Dix-sept (dis sɛt)

The number "seventeen" is pronounced "dis sɛt" with a slight pause between "dix" and "sept." The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "x" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

18. Dix-huit (dis ɥit)

The number "eighteen" is pronounced "dis ɥit" with a slight pause between "dix" and "huit." The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "x" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

19. Dix-neuf (dis nœf)

The number "nineteen" is pronounced "dis nœf" with a slight pause between "dix" and "neuf." The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "x" is pronounced like the "s" in "sin."

20. Vingt (vɛ̃)

The number "twenty" is pronounced "vɛ̃" with a nasalized vowel sound. The "i" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "n" is pronounced with a slightly nasalized sound.

2024-11-15

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