Understanding how to express numbers in French is crucial for effective communication, especially when dealing with larger quantities. While some numbers might seem straightforward, others, like 80, present unique challenges due to the French numbering system’s quirks.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using “quatre-vingt,” the French word for 80. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use this essential number in various contexts.
We’ll explore the etymology, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and provide ample practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Quatre-Vingt
- Structural Breakdown
- Pronunciation of Quatre-Vingt
- Usage in Counting
- Quatre-Vingt-Un
- Numbers 82-89
- Quatre-Vingt-Dix (90)
- Variations and Regional Differences
- Examples of Quatre-Vingt in Sentences
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Gender Agreement
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Beyond Basic Counting
- Historical Context of the Numbering System
- Cultural References to Quatre-Vingt
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Quatre-Vingt
Quatre-vingt is the French word for the number 80. It literally translates to “four twenties.” This unique construction is a remnant of an older counting system used in French and other languages. Understanding this etymology is key to grasping how French numbers above 60 are formed. The word is a compound number, meaning it’s formed by combining two or more numbers to create a new one. In this case, it’s a multiplication: quatre (four) multiplied by vingt (twenty).
The function of quatre-vingt is to represent a specific numerical value. It’s used in counting, measuring, calculating, and any other context where the number 80 is needed. Its classification is a cardinal number, indicating quantity. It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations about age and prices to more formal settings like academic discussions and business transactions. It is also used in more complex numbers such as 81, 82, etc. and in higher multiples like 160 (deux fois quatre-vingt).
Structural Breakdown
The structure of “quatre-vingt” is quite straightforward once you understand its components. It consists of two words: quatre (four) and vingt (twenty). The connection between these two words is a simple multiplication: 4 x 20 = 80. This contrasts with other languages where 80 might be expressed as a single word or a combination using tens and units (e.g., “eighty” in English).
There are no spaces or hyphens between the words when expressing the number 80 itself. However, when forming numbers between 81 and 99, the structure involves adding numbers to quatre-vingt, often with the conjunction et (and). For example, 81 is quatre-vingt-un (four-twenty-one). This additive structure is consistent for numbers up to 89, after which the system shifts again for 90 and beyond.
Pronunciation of Quatre-Vingt
The pronunciation of quatre-vingt can be broken down as follows:
- Quatre: Pronounced approximately as “katr.” The “e” is silent.
- Vingt: Pronounced approximately as “van.” The “gt” is usually silent.
When spoken together, quatre-vingt is pronounced roughly as “katr-van.” It’s important to note that the final “t” in quatre and the “gt” in vingt are generally silent in this combination, although regional variations may exist. Pay attention to the nasal sound in “van,” which is a characteristic feature of French pronunciation. Listening to native speakers pronounce the word is highly recommended to master the correct intonation and nasalization.
Usage in Counting
Quatre-vingt serves as the base for counting from 80 to 89. After 89, the system changes slightly as it approaches 100 (cent). Understanding how to form these numbers is essential for basic numerical fluency in French. Let’s explore how this works in detail.
Quatre-Vingt-Un (81)
To say 81, you add “un” (one) to quatre-vingt, with the conjunction “et” (and) in between. Therefore, 81 is quatre-vingt-et-un. This literally translates to “four-twenty-and-one”. It’s a slight exception as there is an “et” in this particular expression. It’s an important exception to remember.
Numbers 82-89
For the numbers 82 through 89, you simply add the corresponding number to quatre-vingt, connecting them with a hyphen. Here’s a breakdown:
- 82: quatre-vingt-deux
- 83: quatre-vingt-trois
- 84: quatre-vingt-quatre
- 85: quatre-vingt-cinq
- 86: quatre-vingt-six
- 87: quatre-vingt-sept
- 88: quatre-vingt-huit
- 89: quatre-vingt-neuf
Quatre-Vingt-Dix (90)
Interestingly, 90 is not quatre-vingt-dix as one might expect, but it is rather quatre-vingt-dix. This translates literally to “four-twenty-ten,” which is another quirk of the French numbering system. The subsequent numbers from 91 to 99 follow a similar pattern, using the numbers from 11 to 19 (onze to dix-neuf) added to “quatre-vingt-dix.”
Variations and Regional Differences
While quatre-vingt is the standard term for 80 in most French-speaking regions, it’s important to be aware of regional variations. In some parts of Switzerland and Belgium, a different system is used, which can be less confusing for learners. For example, in Switzerland, 80 is often referred to as huitante. These regional variations are worth noting, especially if you plan to travel to or interact with people from these regions.
Examples of Quatre-Vingt in Sentences
Understanding how to use quatre-vingt in context is crucial. Here are some examples of how it appears in various sentences:
The following table provides example sentences using the number 80 in different contexts. Each example includes the French sentence and its English translation to help you understand the usage of quatre-vingt.
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| J’ai quatre-vingt ans. | I am eighty years old. |
| Le prix est de quatre-vingt euros. | The price is eighty euros. |
| Il y a quatre-vingt élèves dans cette école. | There are eighty students in this school. |
| Nous avons besoin de quatre-vingt chaises. | We need eighty chairs. |
| Elle a acheté quatre-vingt pommes. | She bought eighty apples. |
| Le train part à huit heures et quatre-vingt. | The train leaves at eight eighty. (This is not typical but demonstrates usage) |
| Ce livre coûte quatre-vingt francs suisses. | This book costs eighty Swiss francs. |
| Il a marqué quatre-vingt points au jeu. | He scored eighty points in the game. |
| La distance est de quatre-vingt kilomètres. | The distance is eighty kilometers. |
| Elle a quatre-vingt pourcent de bonnes réponses. | She has eighty percent correct answers. |
| Ils ont planté quatre-vingt arbres dans le jardin. | They planted eighty trees in the garden. |
| J’ai dépensé quatre-vingt dollars au magasin. | I spent eighty dollars at the store. |
| Il a couru quatre-vingt mètres en dix secondes. | He ran eighty meters in ten seconds. |
| Elle a collectionné quatre-vingt timbres. | She collected eighty stamps. |
| Nous avons vendu quatre-vingt billets pour le concert. | We sold eighty tickets for the concert. |
| Le bâtiment a quatre-vingt étages. | The building has eighty floors. |
| J’ai lu quatre-vingt pages de ce roman. | I read eighty pages of this novel. |
| Elle a reçu quatre-vingt lettres d’amour. | She received eighty love letters. |
| Il a pêché quatre-vingt poissons ce matin. | He caught eighty fish this morning. |
| Nous avons visité quatre-vingt pays différents. | We have visited eighty different countries. |
| Elle a répondu à quatre-vingt questions à l’examen. | She answered eighty questions on the exam. |
| Il a gagné quatre-vingt millions à la loterie. | He won eighty million in the lottery. |
| Nous avons embauché quatre-vingt nouveaux employés. | We hired eighty new employees. |
| Elle a écrit quatre-vingt poèmes cette année. | She wrote eighty poems this year. |
| Il a composé quatre-vingt chansons. | He composed eighty songs. |
The following table provides example sentences using the numbers 81-89. Each example includes the French sentence and its English translation to help you understand the usage of quatre-vingt.
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| J’ai quatre-vingt-un ans. | I am eighty-one years old. |
| Le prix est de quatre-vingt-deux euros. | The price is eighty-two euros. |
| Il y a quatre-vingt-trois élèves dans cette école. | There are eighty-three students in this school. |
| Nous avons besoin de quatre-vingt-quatre chaises. | We need eighty-four chairs. |
| Elle a acheté quatre-vingt-cinq pommes. | She bought eighty-five apples. |
| Le train part à huit heures et quatre-vingt-six. | The train leaves at eight eighty-six. (not typical) |
| Ce livre coûte quatre-vingt-sept francs suisses. | This book costs eighty-seven Swiss francs. |
| Il a marqué quatre-vingt-huit points au jeu. | He scored eighty-eight points in the game. |
| La distance est de quatre-vingt-neuf kilomètres. | The distance is eighty-nine kilometers. |
| Elle a quatre-vingt-un pourcent de bonnes réponses. | She has eighty-one percent correct answers. |
| Ils ont planté quatre-vingt-deux arbres dans le jardin. | They planted eighty-two trees in the garden. |
| J’ai dépensé quatre-vingt-trois dollars au magasin. | I spent eighty-three dollars at the store. |
| Il a couru quatre-vingt-quatre mètres en dix secondes. | He ran eighty-four meters in ten seconds. |
| Elle a collectionné quatre-vingt-cinq timbres. | She collected eighty-five stamps. |
| Nous avons vendu quatre-vingt-six billets pour le concert. | We sold eighty-six tickets for the concert. |
| Le bâtiment a quatre-vingt-sept étages. | The building has eighty-seven floors. |
| J’ai lu quatre-vingt-huit pages de ce roman. | I read eighty-eight pages of this novel. |
| Elle a reçu quatre-vingt-neuf lettres d’amour. | She received eighty-nine love letters. |
| Il a pêché quatre-vingt-un poissons ce matin. | He caught eighty-one fish this morning. |
| Nous avons visité quatre-vingt-deux pays différents. | We have visited eighty-two different countries. |
| Elle a répondu à quatre-vingt-trois questions à l’examen. | She answered eighty-three questions on the exam. |
| Il a gagné quatre-vingt-quatre millions à la loterie. | He won eighty-four million in the lottery. |
| Nous avons embauché quatre-vingt-cinq nouveaux employés. | We hired eighty-five new employees. |
| Elle a écrit quatre-vingt-six poèmes cette année. | She wrote eighty-six poems this year. |
| Il a composé quatre-vingt-sept chansons. | He composed eighty-seven songs. |
The following table provides examples of the use of quatre-vingt in more complex sentences, showing how it can be integrated into different grammatical structures and contexts. These examples help illustrate the versatility of the number in French.
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Si j’avais quatre-vingt euros, j’achèterais ce manteau. | If I had eighty euros, I would buy this coat. |
| Elle a dit qu’elle avait quatre-vingt ans, mais je ne la crois pas. | She said she was eighty years old, but I don’t believe her. |
| Bien que j’aie quatre-vingt ans, je me sens encore jeune. | Although I am eighty years old, I still feel young. |
| J’ai travaillé pendant quatre-vingt heures cette semaine. | I worked for eighty hours this week. |
| Pour réussir, il faut étudier quatre-vingt pages par jour. | To succeed, you have to study eighty pages per day. |
| Le projet a coûté quatre-vingt mille euros. | The project cost eighty thousand euros. |
| Ils ont promis de donner quatre-vingt pourcent de leurs bénéfices. | They promised to donate eighty percent of their profits. |
| Avec quatre-vingt dollars, tu peux acheter beaucoup de choses ici. | With eighty dollars, you can buy a lot of things here. |
| Il est probable qu’il y ait quatre-vingt personnes à la réunion. | It is likely that there will be eighty people at the meeting. |
| Si vous avez quatre-vingt ans, vous avez beaucoup d’expérience. | If you are eighty years old, you have a lot of experience. |
| Elle a estimé qu’il y avait quatre-vingt invités à la fête. | She estimated that there were eighty guests at the party. |
| Bien qu’il ait quatre-vingt ans, il continue de travailler. | Although he is eighty years old, he continues to work. |
| J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt timbres pour envoyer toutes ces lettres. | I need eighty stamps to send all these letters. |
| Le magasin vend quatre-vingt types de fromage différents. | The store sells eighty different types of cheese. |
| Pour le mariage, ils ont invité quatre-vingt personnes. | For the wedding, they invited eighty people. |
| Le musée expose quatre-vingt œuvres d’art moderne. | The museum exhibits eighty works of modern art. |
| La ferme possède quatre-vingt vaches laitières. | The farm has eighty dairy cows. |
| Pour le voyage, nous avons besoin de quatre-vingt litres d’essence. | For the trip, we need eighty liters of gasoline. |
| Elle a passé quatre-vingt jours en prison. | She spent eighty days in prison. |
| Il a cultivé quatre-vingt hectares de maïs. | He cultivated eighty hectares of corn. |
| La bibliothèque a acquis quatre-vingt nouveaux livres. | The library acquired eighty new books. |
| L’entreprise a vendu quatre-vingt voitures ce mois-ci. | The company sold eighty cars this month. |
| Le restaurant sert quatre-vingt plats différents sur son menu. | The restaurant serves eighty different dishes on its menu. |
| L’athlète a couru quatre-vingt tours de piste. | The athlete ran eighty laps around the track. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
There are a few specific rules to keep in mind when using quatre-vingt. One important point is the absence of the conjunction “et” (and) after vingt, except in the case of 81 (quatre-vingt-et-un). Also, the word vingt does not take an “s” when it forms part of quatre-vingt, but it does when it is multiplied, such as in quatre-vingts (e.g., quatre-vingts pommes – eighty apples).
Gender Agreement
Numbers in French generally do not change based on gender. However, there’s a crucial exception with vingt and cent when they are multiplied and not followed by another number. In the case of quatre-vingt, the s is added if it’s not followed by another number. For example:
- Quatre-vingts euros (eighty euros) – the “s” is added because euros are counted.
- Quatre-vingt-un euros (eighty-one euros) – the “s” is not added because it is followed by “un”.
This rule applies similarly to cent (hundred). For instance, deux cents euros (two hundred euros) takes an “s,” while deux cent un euros (two hundred and one euros) does not.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is adding an “s” to vingt when it is followed by another number. For example, “quatre-vingts-deux” is incorrect; the correct form is quatre-vingt-deux. Another mistake is using “et” after vingt for numbers other than 81. For example, saying “quatre-vingt et deux” for 82 is incorrect.
For example, consider the following common mistakes:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Quatre-vingts deux | Quatre-vingt-deux | The “s” should not be added to vingt when followed by another number. |
| Quatre-vingt et deux | Quatre-vingt-deux | The conjunction “et” is only used for 81 (quatre-vingt-et-un). |
| J’ai quatre-vingt ans. (spoken without liaison) | J’ai quatre-vingts ans. (spoken with liaison) | While the written form doesn’t change, the liaison is important in speech. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Translate the following English sentences into French, focusing on the correct usage of quatre-vingt and related numbers.
Below is a table with English sentences that you need to translate into French, focusing on the correct usage of “quatre-vingt” and related numbers. An answer key is provided in the subsequent table.
| Question |
|---|
| 1. I am eighty years old. |
| 2. The price is eighty-five euros. |
| 3. There are eighty-two students in the class. |
| 4. We need eighty chairs. |
| 5. She bought eighty apples. |
| 6. He scored eighty-eight points in the game. |
| 7. The distance is eighty-one kilometers. |
| 8. She has eighty-three percent correct answers. |
| 9. They planted eighty-six trees in the garden. |
| 10. I spent eighty-seven dollars at the store. |
Here are the answers to the practice exercises above. Check your translations against these to see how well you understand the usage of quatre-vingt and related numbers in French.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I am eighty years old. | J’ai quatre-vingt ans. |
| 2. The price is eighty-five euros. | Le prix est de quatre-vingt-cinq euros. |
| 3. There are eighty-two students in the class. | Il y a quatre-vingt-deux élèves dans la classe. |
| 4. We need eighty chairs. | Nous avons besoin de quatre-vingt chaises. |
| 5. She bought eighty apples. | Elle a acheté quatre-vingt pommes. |
| 6. He scored eighty-eight points in the game. | Il a marqué quatre-vingt-huit points au jeu. |
| 7. The distance is eighty-one kilometers. | La distance est de quatre-vingt-un kilomètres. |
| 8. She has eighty-three percent correct answers. | Elle a quatre-vingt-trois pour cent de bonnes réponses. |
| 9. They planted eighty-six trees in the garden. | Ils ont planté quatre-vingt-six arbres dans le jardin. |
| 10. I spent eighty-seven dollars at the store. | J’ai dépensé quatre-vingt-sept dollars au magasin. |
Advanced Topics: Beyond Basic Counting
For advanced learners, understanding the historical context of the French numbering system and its cultural implications can be fascinating. The base-20 system (vigesimal system) used in French for numbers like 80 and 90 has roots in Gaulish and Norman influences.
Exploring these historical aspects provides a deeper appreciation for the language’s evolution. Another advanced topic is the use of numbers in idioms and expressions, which often carry cultural nuances.
Historical Context of the Numbering System
The French numbering system, particularly the use of “quatre-vingt,” is a legacy of the vigesimal system used by the Gauls and later influenced by the Normans. This system, based on the number 20, contrasts with the decimal system (base-10) that prevails in many other languages.
Understanding this historical context sheds light on why French counts numbers like 80 and 90 in such a unique way. The persistence of the vigesimal system in French is a testament to the enduring influence of these historical linguistic layers.
Cultural References to Quatre-Vingt
The number 80, or quatre-vingt, may appear in various cultural contexts, such as literature, film, and historical references. While not as prominent as some other numbers, its presence reflects the everyday usage of the number in French-speaking societies. Recognizing these cultural references can enhance your understanding of the language and its cultural nuances. Keep an eye out for instances where quatre-vingt is used metaphorically or symbolically in French media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using quatre-vingt in French:
- Why is 80 “quatre-vingt” in French?
It comes from an old counting system based on 20 (vigesimal system). “Quatre-vingt” literally translates to “four twenties,” reflecting this historical counting method.
- Do I need to add an “s” to “vingt” in “quatre-vingt”?
Yes, you add an “s” if quatre-vingt is not followed by another number (e.g., quatre-vingts). However, you don’t add an “s” if it is followed by another number (e.g., quatre-vingt-un).
- Is it correct to say “quatre-vingt et un” for 81?
Yes, quatre-vingt-et-un is the correct way to say 81. The “et” (and) is only used in this specific case.
- How do I say 90 in French?
90 is quatre-vingt-dix, which literally means “four-twenty-ten.” It continues the vigesimal system.
- Are there regional variations for saying 80 in French?
Yes, in some parts of Switzerland and Belgium, 80 is referred to as huitante. This is a regional variation, and quatre-vingt is still widely understood.
- Is the “t” in “quatre” and “gt” in “vingt” pronounced when saying “quatre-vingt”?
Generally, the final “t” in quatre and the “gt” in vingt are silent when combined in quatre-vingt. However, regional variations may exist.
- What’s the best way to practice using “quatre-vingt”?
Practice by counting, translating numbers, and using quatre-vingt in sentences. Listening to native speakers and repeating after them is also very helpful.
- Why is the French numbering system so complicated?
The complexity arises from the historical influence of the vigesimal system, which has been retained in French despite the prevalence of the decimal system in other languages. It’s a unique feature of the language with historical roots.
Conclusion
Mastering quatre-vingt and the French numbering system requires understanding its unique structure and historical context. By grasping the compound nature of the number, following the usage rules, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently use quatre-vingt in your French communication. Remember to practice regularly, listen to native speakers, and explore the cultural nuances associated with numbers in French. With consistent effort, you’ll become proficient in expressing numbers accurately and naturally.
Understanding numbers is a cornerstone of language acquisition. Don’t be discouraged by the initial challenges.
Embrace the peculiarities of the French numbering system, and you’ll find yourself becoming more fluent and confident in your French language skills. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be counting like a native!