Mastering French Numbers: How to Say 43 in French

Learning to count in a new language is a fundamental step towards fluency. Understanding how to say numbers like 43 in French not only helps with basic communication but also provides insights into the structure of the French number system.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to expressing the number 43 in French, covering its pronunciation, grammatical nuances, and practical usage. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will enhance your understanding and confidence in using French numbers.

This article is designed for anyone learning French, from beginners taking their first steps to more advanced learners aiming to refine their knowledge. It’s particularly useful for students, travelers, and anyone who interacts with French speakers.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently say and understand the number 43 in various contexts.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition: What Does ’43’ Mean in French?
• Structural Breakdown of ‘Quarante-trois’
• Pronunciation Guide
• Grammatical Considerations
• Examples in Sentences
• Usage Rules and Context
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics: Beyond the Basics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition: What Does ’43’ Mean in French?

In French, the number 43 is expressed as quarante-trois. This is a compound number formed by combining the words for “forty” (quarante) and “three” (trois). Understanding how this number is constructed reveals the underlying logic of the French number system, particularly how it handles numbers between 20 and 100.

The French number system is based on a vigesimal system, meaning it relies on the number 20 (vingt) as a base. This is particularly evident in numbers like 80 (quatre-vingts, or four twenties) and 90 (quatre-vingt-dix, or four twenties ten). However, for numbers like 43, the structure is more straightforward, combining a multiple of ten with a single digit.

Structural Breakdown of ‘Quarante-trois’

The number quarante-trois is composed of two distinct parts:

• Quarante: This represents “forty” and is derived from the word quatre (four). It indicates the tens component of the number.
• Trois: This simply means “three” and indicates the units component.

The hyphen (-) between quarante and trois is crucial. It connects the tens and units components, indicating that they form a single number. Without the hyphen, the words would be separate and not represent the number 43.

The structure of numbers like quarante-trois follows a consistent pattern in French. For numbers 21 through 69 (excluding the tens), a hyphen joins the tens and units parts. This pattern makes it easier to learn and remember the numbers in this range.

Pronunciation Guide

Pronouncing quarante-trois correctly involves mastering the pronunciation of both quarante and trois, as well as understanding how they connect phonetically.

• Quarante: Pronounced as /ka.ʁɑ̃t/. The “r” is a guttural sound made in the back of the throat. The “ent” ending is usually silent, but in some contexts, the “t” might be pronounced slightly if followed by a vowel.
• Trois: Pronounced as /tʁwa/. Again, the “r” is guttural. The “oi” sound is similar to the “wa” in “water.”

When saying quarante-trois, the two words are linked together. The final “t” in quarante is usually silent, but it can sometimes be pronounced subtly, especially when speaking slowly or deliberately. The overall pronunciation is approximately /ka.ʁɑ̃.tʁwa/.

To improve your pronunciation, listen to native French speakers pronounce the number. Many online resources, such as Forvo or YouTube, provide audio examples.

Practice saying the number slowly and deliberately, paying attention to the correct sounds and linking. Recording yourself can also help you identify areas for improvement.

Grammatical Considerations

In French, numbers generally do not change form based on gender or number, unlike adjectives or nouns. However, there are a few exceptions and specific grammatical rules to be aware of when using numbers like quarante-trois.

Agreement with Vingt and Cent

While quarante itself doesn’t change, the numbers vingt (twenty) and cent (hundred) have specific agreement rules. When used in multiples without anything following, they take an “s” to indicate plurality. For example:

• Quatre-vingts (80) – four twenties
• Deux cents (200) – two hundreds

However, if another number follows, the “s” is dropped:

• Quatre-vingt-trois (83) – eighty-three
• Deux cent un (201) – two hundred one

Since quarante is always followed by another number in quarante-trois, it never requires an “s.”

Gender and Number Agreement

Numbers themselves do not change based on the gender or number of the nouns they modify. For example:

• J’ai quarante-trois livres. (I have forty-three books.)
• Elle a quarante-trois sœurs. (She has forty-three sisters.)

In both sentences, quarante-trois remains the same, regardless of whether the noun is masculine (livres) or feminine (sœurs), or plural.

Examples in Sentences

Understanding how to use quarante-trois in various contexts is essential for practical application. Below are several examples demonstrating its usage in different situations.

Age

Describing age is a common use of numbers. Here are some examples:

Table 1: Examples of ‘Quarante-trois’ in Age-Related Sentences

French Sentence	English Translation
Il a quarante-trois ans.	He is forty-three years old.
Elle aura quarante-trois ans demain.	She will be forty-three years old tomorrow.
Mon père a quarante-trois ans.	My father is forty-three years old.
Ma mère a quarante-trois ans.	My mother is forty-three years old.
Cette actrice a quarante-trois ans.	This actress is forty-three years old.
Ce chanteur a quarante-trois ans.	This singer is forty-three years old.
J’ai quarante-trois ans d’expérience dans ce domaine.	I have forty-three years of experience in this field.
Il a l’air d’avoir quarante-trois ans, mais il est plus jeune.	He looks like he’s forty-three years old, but he’s younger.
Elle a fêté ses quarante-trois ans en grande pompe.	She celebrated her forty-third birthday in style.
À quarante-trois ans, il a décidé de changer de carrière.	At forty-three, he decided to change his career.
Elle a commencé à courir des marathons à quarante-trois ans.	She started running marathons at forty-three.
Il a pris sa retraite à quarante-trois ans.	He retired at forty-three.
Elle a eu son premier enfant à quarante-trois ans.	She had her first child at forty-three.
Il a acheté sa première maison à quarante-trois ans.	He bought his first house at forty-three.
Elle a obtenu son doctorat à quarante-trois ans.	She obtained her doctorate at forty-three.
Il a créé son entreprise à quarante-trois ans.	He started his company at forty-three.
Elle a publié son premier roman à quarante-trois ans.	She published her first novel at forty-three.
Il a voyagé dans quarante-trois pays.	He has traveled to forty-three countries.
Elle a vécu quarante-trois ans dans cette ville.	She lived forty-three years in this city.
Il a travaillé quarante-trois ans dans cette entreprise.	He worked forty-three years in this company.
Elle a enseigné pendant quarante-trois ans.	She taught for forty-three years.
Il a été marié pendant quarante-trois ans.	He was married for forty-three years.
Elle a été bénévole pendant quarante-trois ans.	She volunteered for forty-three years.

This table illustrates how quarante-trois is used to express someone’s age in years.

Quantity

Numbers are frequently used to indicate quantity. Here are some examples using quarante-trois:

Table 2: Examples of ‘Quarante-trois’ in Quantity-Related Sentences

French Sentence	English Translation
J’ai acheté quarante-trois pommes.	I bought forty-three apples.
Il y a quarante-trois étudiants dans la classe.	There are forty-three students in the class.
Nous avons besoin de quarante-trois chaises.	We need forty-three chairs.
Ils ont vendu quarante-trois voitures ce mois-ci.	They sold forty-three cars this month.
Elle a préparé quarante-trois gâteaux pour la fête.	She prepared forty-three cakes for the party.
Le livre a quarante-trois chapitres.	The book has forty-three chapters.
L’équipe a marqué quarante-trois points.	The team scored forty-three points.
Le colis pèse quarante-trois kilos.	The package weighs forty-three kilos.
La distance est de quarante-trois kilomètres.	The distance is forty-three kilometers.
Le prix est de quarante-trois euros.	The price is forty-three euros.
J’ai visité quarante-trois musées.	I visited forty-three museums.
Elle a lu quarante-trois livres cette année.	She read forty-three books this year.
Il a planté quarante-trois arbres dans son jardin.	He planted forty-three trees in his garden.
Elle a envoyé quarante-trois invitations pour son mariage.	She sent forty-three invitations for her wedding.
Il a reçu quarante-trois cadeaux pour son anniversaire.	He received forty-three gifts for his birthday.
Elle a répondu à quarante-trois questions.	She answered forty-three questions.
Il a résolu quarante-trois problèmes.	He solved forty-three problems.
Elle a écrit quarante-trois pages.	She wrote forty-three pages.
Il a dessiné quarante-trois images.	He drew forty-three pictures.
Elle a chanté quarante-trois chansons.	She sang forty-three songs.
Il a joué quarante-trois matchs.	He played forty-three matches.
Elle a gagné quarante-trois médailles.	She won forty-three medals.
Il a vendu quarante-trois billets.	He sold forty-three tickets.

This table showcases how quarante-trois is used to specify a number of items or entities.

Addresses and Phone Numbers

Numbers are also used in addresses and phone numbers, although this is less common for higher numbers.

Table 3: Examples of ‘Quarante-trois’ in Addresses and Phone Numbers

French Sentence	English Translation
Son adresse est 43 rue de la Paix.	His address is 43 Peace Street.
Le numéro de téléphone est le 01 23 45 67 43.	The phone number is 01 23 45 67 43.
L’appartement numéro quarante-trois est à louer.	Apartment number forty-three is for rent.
La maison numéro quarante-trois est très belle.	House number forty-three is very beautiful.
Le bureau numéro quarante-trois est au troisième étage.	Office number forty-three is on the third floor.
La chambre numéro quarante-trois est disponible.	Room number forty-three is available.
Le casier numéro quarante-trois est ouvert.	Locker number forty-three is open.
La page numéro quarante-trois contient l’information.	Page number forty-three contains the information.
Le code postal est 75043.	The postal code is 75043.
Le vol numéro quarante-trois a été retardé.	Flight number forty-three has been delayed.
La ligne de bus numéro quarante-trois est en direction du centre-ville.	Bus line number forty-three is heading downtown.
Le train numéro quarante-trois partira à 10h00.	Train number forty-three will depart at 10:00 AM.
La chaîne de télévision numéro quarante-trois diffuse un documentaire.	Television channel number forty-three is broadcasting a documentary.
La station de radio numéro quarante-trois joue de la musique classique.	Radio station number forty-three is playing classical music.
Le poste de police numéro quarante-trois est situé près du parc.	Police station number forty-three is located near the park.
L’école numéro quarante-trois est très réputée.	School number forty-three is very reputable.
L’hôpital numéro quarante-trois a une excellente réputation.	Hospital number forty-three has an excellent reputation.
Le restaurant numéro quarante-trois est très populaire.	Restaurant number forty-three is very popular.
Le magasin numéro quarante-trois vend des souvenirs.	Shop number forty-three sells souvenirs.
Le café numéro quarante-trois sert un excellent café.	Cafe number forty-three serves excellent coffee.

This table illustrates a few instances where quarante-trois might be used in addresses or as identifiers.

Usage Rules and Context

Using quarante-trois correctly involves understanding the general rules for using numbers in French. Here are some key points:

• Hyphenation: Always use a hyphen between quarante and trois.
• Context: Ensure the number is appropriate for the context. For instance, it’s suitable for age, quantity, and addresses, but less common in complex calculations or abstract concepts.
• Clarity: When speaking, pronounce the number clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

In formal writing, it’s generally acceptable to write out numbers up to ten or twenty, but beyond that, using numerals is more common. However, this is a stylistic choice and depends on the specific context and audience.

In legal or financial documents, numbers are often written out in full to avoid ambiguity. For example, “forty-three” instead of “43.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common mistakes can occur when learning to use quarante-trois. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.

Table 4: Common Mistakes with ‘Quarante-trois’

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Quarante trois	Quarante-trois	Missing hyphen between quarante and trois.
Quarante et trois	Quarante-trois	Using “et” (and) is incorrect in this context.
J’ai quarante-trois ans vieux.	J’ai quarante-trois ans.	“Vieux” (old) is redundant when stating age.
Quarante-trois personnes est ici.	Quarante-trois personnes sont ici.	Verb agreement is important. “Sont” (are) is the correct plural form.
Le numéro est quarante trois.	Le numéro est quarante-trois.	The hyphen must be included.
Il a quarante trois livres.	Il a quarante-trois livres.	The hyphen must be included.
Elle a quarante trois ans.	Elle a quarante-trois ans.	The hyphen must be included.
Nous avons quarante trois chaises.	Nous avons quarante-trois chaises.	The hyphen must be included.
Vous avez quarante trois euros.	Vous avez quarante-trois euros.	The hyphen must be included.
Ils ont quarante trois enfants.	Ils ont quarante-trois enfants.	The hyphen must be included.

This table highlights common errors and provides the correct forms, along with explanations to help you understand the mistakes.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of quarante-trois with these exercises.

Exercise 1: Translation

Translate the following sentences into French, using quarante-trois where appropriate.

Table 5: Translation Practice

Question	Answer
1. I have forty-three euros.	J’ai quarante-trois euros.
2. She is forty-three years old.	Elle a quarante-trois ans.
3. There are forty-three students in the class.	Il y a quarante-trois étudiants dans la classe.
4. He bought forty-three apples.	Il a acheté quarante-trois pommes.
5. We need forty-three chairs.	Nous avons besoin de quarante-trois chaises.
6. The book has forty-three chapters.	Le livre a quarante-trois chapitres.
7. The team scored forty-three points.	L’équipe a marqué quarante-trois points.
8. Apartment number forty-three is for rent.	L’appartement numéro quarante-trois est à louer.
9. He will be forty-three tomorrow.	Il aura quarante-trois ans demain.
10. She read forty-three books this year.	Elle a lu quarante-trois livres cette année.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of quarante-trois.

Table 6: Fill-in-the-Blanks Practice

Question	Answer
1. J’ai __________ ans.	J’ai quarante-trois ans.
2. Il y a __________ personnes ici.	Il y a quarante-trois personnes ici.
3. Elle a __________ euros.	Elle a quarante-trois euros.
4. Nous avons __________ livres.	Nous avons quarante-trois livres.
5. Vous avez __________ chaises.	Vous avez quarante-trois chaises.
6. Ils ont __________ ans d’expérience.	Ils ont quarante-trois ans d’expérience.
7. Ce livre a __________ pages.	Ce livre a quarante-trois pages.
8. L’équipe a marqué __________ points.	L’équipe a marqué quarante-trois points.
9. J’ai visité __________ pays.	J’ai visité quarante-trois pays.
10. Elle a préparé __________ gâteaux.	Elle a préparé quarante-trois gâteaux.

Advanced Topics: Beyond the Basics

For advanced learners, exploring nuances related to French numbers can further refine your understanding.

Numbers in Idiomatic Expressions

Numbers often appear in idiomatic expressions. While quarante-trois itself is not commonly used in idioms, understanding this concept can broaden your knowledge of French language and culture.

Regional Variations

In some French-speaking regions, particularly in Switzerland and Belgium, the number system differs slightly. For example, seventy might be expressed differently than in France. However, quarante-trois remains consistent across regions.

Mathematical Contexts

In mathematical contexts, numbers are used extensively. Understanding how to perform calculations and express results using French numbers is an essential skill for advanced learners.

For instance, “43 + 5 = 48” would be “Quarante-trois plus cinq égale quarante-huit.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about using quarante-trois and other French numbers.

1. How do I pronounce quarante-trois correctly?

   Pronounce quarante as /ka.ʁɑ̃t/ and trois as /tʁwa/. Link the two words together, with a subtle pronunciation of the “t” in quarante if you wish: /ka.ʁɑ̃.tʁwa/.

2. Why is there a hyphen between quarante and trois?

   The hyphen connects the tens and units components, indicating that they form a single number. Without it, the words would be separate and not represent the number 43.

3. Does quarante ever change form?

   No, quarante itself does not change form based on gender or number. However, remember the rules for vingt and cent when used in other numbers.

4. Can I use numerals instead of writing out quarante-trois?

   Yes, using numerals (43) is perfectly acceptable, especially in informal contexts. In formal writing, it’s a stylistic choice, but numerals are common for numbers greater than twenty.

5. Are there any regional variations in how to say 43?

   No, quarante-trois is consistent across all French-speaking regions. Regional variations primarily affect numbers like 70, 80, and 90.

6. How do I say “forty-third” in French?

   You would say “quarante-troisième.” The suffix “-ième” is added to the number to make it ordinal.

7. Is it ever incorrect to use quarante-trois?

   As long as you use the hyphen and pronounce it correctly, it’s generally correct. The only potential issue is stylistic – in some very formal contexts, writing out the number in full might be preferred.

8. How can I practice using quarante-trois in everyday conversation?

   Try incorporating it into simple sentences when describing quantities, ages, or addresses. Listen to native speakers and mimic their pronunciation and usage. Language exchange partners can also provide valuable practice and feedback.

Conclusion

Understanding how to say quarante-trois in French is a valuable step in mastering the French number system. By grasping the structural breakdown, pronunciation, and grammatical considerations, you can confidently use this number in various contexts. Avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly will further solidify your knowledge.

Continue to practice and expand your understanding of French numbers. Explore more complex numbers, idiomatic expressions, and regional variations to enhance your overall fluency.

With consistent effort, you’ll become proficient in using numbers in French and communicating effectively in a variety of situations.