Understanding how to say numbers in French can be a fascinating yet sometimes challenging aspect of learning the language. The number 90, represented as *quatre-vingt-dix*, is a prime example of this.
It’s not a straightforward translation like some other numbers, but rather a combination of other numerical elements. Grasping this concept is crucial for everyday conversations, from shopping and telling time to understanding addresses and phone numbers.
This article will break down the components of *quatre-vingt-dix*, explore its usage, and provide plenty of examples and practice exercises to help learners of all levels master this essential number.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting your French journey or an intermediate learner aiming to refine your numerical skills, this guide will offer a comprehensive understanding of how to confidently use and comprehend *quatre-vingt-dix* in various contexts. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to say 90 in French but also understand the logic behind its construction and avoid common mistakes.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of *Quatre-Vingt-Dix*
- Structural Breakdown
- Usage in Context
- Examples of *Quatre-Vingt-Dix*
- Usage Rules and Grammar
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of *Quatre-Vingt-Dix*
*Quatre-vingt-dix* is the French word for the number 90. It is a cardinal number, meaning it’s used for counting.
Unlike many other languages where numbers have a more direct translation, French sometimes uses a more descriptive and mathematical approach to forming numbers, particularly those above 69. *Quatre-vingt-dix* literally translates to “four twenties ten,” offering a glimpse into the vigesimal system (base 20) that has influenced French number formation.
The number *quatre-vingt-dix* functions as a noun when referring to the number itself and as an adjective when modifying another noun (e.g., *quatre-vingt-dix* euros). It appears in various contexts, from simple counting to more complex situations such as expressing age, time, dates, and monetary values.
Understanding its construction is essential for fluency in French.
Structural Breakdown
To fully understand *quatre-vingt-dix*, it’s crucial to break down its constituent parts:
Understanding *Quatre*
*Quatre* means “four” in French. It is a fundamental cardinal number and is used in many other numerical expressions.
Understanding *quatre* is essential not only for forming *quatre-vingt-dix* but also for many other French numbers.
Understanding *Vingt*
*Vingt* means “twenty” in French. It plays a key role in the French number system, particularly in numbers above 60.
The French system historically used a base-20 system, remnants of which are seen in numbers like *quatre-vingt* (four twenties = 80) and *quatre-vingt-dix*.
Understanding *Dix*
*Dix* means “ten” in French. In *quatre-vingt-dix*, it is added to *quatre-vingt* (80) to make 90.
It’s a crucial component in forming numbers from 10 to 19, and again in this composite number.
The Combination: *Quatre-Vingt-Dix*
*Quatre-vingt-dix* is formed by combining these elements: *quatre* (four) + *vingt* (twenty) + *dix* (ten). It literally means “four twenties ten.” This reflects the vigesimal influence where 80 (four twenties) serves as the base, and then 10 is added to reach 90.
This construction might seem unusual to English speakers, but it’s a logical part of the French number system.
Usage in Context
The number *quatre-vingt-dix* is used in various everyday contexts. Here’s how you might encounter it:
Counting from 90 to 99
Once you understand *quatre-vingt-dix*, it’s essential to know how to count from 90 to 99. The numbers follow a logical pattern, adding numbers one to nine to *quatre-vingt-dix*.
The following table illustrates how to count from 90 to 99 in French. Note the structure of each number, building upon the foundation of *quatre-vingt-dix*.
| Number | French |
|---|---|
| 90 | Quatre-vingt-dix |
| 91 | Quatre-vingt-onze |
| 92 | Quatre-vingt-douze |
| 93 | Quatre-vingt-treize |
| 94 | Quatre-vingt-quatorze |
| 95 | Quatre-vingt-quinze |
| 96 | Quatre-vingt-seize |
| 97 | Quatre-vingt-dix-sept |
| 98 | Quatre-vingt-dix-huit |
| 99 | Quatre-vingt-dix-neuf |
As you can see, the numbers from 91 to 96 use the same pattern as 71 to 76 (*onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, seize*). Then, from 97 to 99, the pattern continues, adding *dix-sept, dix-huit, dix-neuf* to *quatre-vingt*.
Using 90 in Years
When expressing years, *quatre-vingt-dix* is used in the same way as other numbers. For example, the year 1990 is *mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix*.
Expressing Age
To say someone is 90 years old, you would say “*Il/Elle a quatre-vingt-dix ans*.” The phrase “*ans*” means “years.”
Telling Time
*Quatre-vingt-dix* is less commonly used when telling time, but it can appear if you’re specifying a number of minutes that includes 90. However, it’s more typical to use phrases that avoid direct use of 90 in this context.
Stating Prices
When stating prices, *quatre-vingt-dix* is used just like any other number. For instance, 90 euros would be “*quatre-vingt-dix euros*.”
Giving Addresses
In addresses, *quatre-vingt-dix* can appear as part of the street number. For example, “90 Rue de la Paix” would be “*quatre-vingt-dix Rue de la Paix*.”
Examples of *Quatre-Vingt-Dix*
Here are several examples showcasing the usage of *quatre-vingt-dix* in different contexts.
General Examples
The following table provides general examples of using *quatre-vingt-dix* in various sentences. These examples will help you see how the number fits into different types of phrases and statements.
| Example | Translation |
|---|---|
| J’ai quatre-vingt-dix livres dans ma bibliothèque. | I have ninety books in my library. |
| Il y a quatre-vingt-dix étudiants dans cette classe. | There are ninety students in this class. |
| Nous avons besoin de quatre-vingt-dix chaises pour la cérémonie. | We need ninety chairs for the ceremony. |
| Elle a marqué quatre-vingt-dix points au test. | She scored ninety points on the test. |
| Le train part à quatre heures quatre-vingt-dix. | The train leaves at four ninety. |
| Ils ont acheté quatre-vingt-dix pommes au marché. | They bought ninety apples at the market. |
| La distance est de quatre-vingt-dix kilomètres. | The distance is ninety kilometers. |
| Le magasin vend quatre-vingt-dix types de fromage. | The store sells ninety types of cheese. |
| J’ai visité quatre-vingt-dix pays différents. | I have visited ninety different countries. |
| Il a couru quatre-vingt-dix mètres en dix secondes. | He ran ninety meters in ten seconds. |
| Nous avons planté quatre-vingt-dix arbres dans le jardin. | We planted ninety trees in the garden. |
| Elle a résolu quatre-vingt-dix problèmes de maths. | She solved ninety math problems. |
| Le restaurant peut accueillir quatre-vingt-dix personnes. | The restaurant can accommodate ninety people. |
| Ils ont vendu quatre-vingt-dix billets pour le concert. | They sold ninety tickets for the concert. |
| La recette demande quatre-vingt-dix grammes de sucre. | The recipe calls for ninety grams of sugar. |
| J’ai collectionné quatre-vingt-dix timbres différents. | I have collected ninety different stamps. |
| Il a lu quatre-vingt-dix pages du roman. | He read ninety pages of the novel. |
| Nous avons cuisiné quatre-vingt-dix gâteaux pour la fête. | We cooked ninety cakes for the party. |
| Elle a chanté quatre-vingt-dix chansons pendant le spectacle. | She sang ninety songs during the show. |
| Le fermier a récolté quatre-vingt-dix kilos de tomates. | The farmer harvested ninety kilos of tomatoes. |
| J’ai compté quatre-vingt-dix étoiles dans le ciel. | I counted ninety stars in the sky. |
| Il a pêché quatre-vingt-dix poissons dans le lac. | He fished ninety fish in the lake. |
| Nous avons nettoyé quatre-vingt-dix fenêtres. | We cleaned ninety windows. |
| Elle a peint quatre-vingt-dix tableaux. | She painted ninety paintings. |
Years Examples
The following table provides examples of using *quatre-vingt-dix* in the context of years. This is particularly useful for discussing historical events or personal milestones.
| Example | Translation |
|---|---|
| L’année 1990 était une année importante. | The year 1990 was an important year. |
| Je suis né en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix. | I was born in 1990. |
| Ils se sont mariés en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix. | They got married in 1990. |
| Cet événement a eu lieu en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix. | This event took place in 1990. |
| La conférence a été organisée en mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix. | The conference was organized in 1990. |
Age Examples
The following table illustrates how to use *quatre-vingt-dix* when talking about someone’s age. This is a common and practical application of the number.
| Example | Translation |
|---|---|
| Mon grand-père a quatre-vingt-dix ans. | My grandfather is ninety years old. |
| Elle aura quatre-vingt-dix ans l’année prochaine. | She will be ninety years old next year. |
| Il paraît plus jeune que quatre-vingt-dix ans. | He looks younger than ninety years old. |
| C’est impressionnant qu’elle ait quatre-vingt-dix ans et qu’elle soit si active. | It’s impressive that she is ninety years old and so active. |
| À quatre-vingt-dix ans, il continue de travailler. | At ninety years old, he continues to work. |
Prices Examples
The following table demonstrates how to use *quatre-vingt-dix* when discussing prices or costs. This is essential for shopping and handling financial transactions.
| Example | Translation |
|---|---|
| Ce livre coûte quatre-vingt-dix euros. | This book costs ninety euros. |
| J’ai payé quatre-vingt-dix dollars pour cette chemise. | I paid ninety dollars for this shirt. |
| Le prix est de quatre-vingt-dix francs suisses. | The price is ninety Swiss francs. |
| Ils ont vendu la maison pour quatre-vingt-dix mille euros. | They sold the house for ninety thousand euros. |
| Le loyer est de quatre-vingt-dix euros par semaine. | The rent is ninety euros per week. |
Addresses Examples
The following table provides examples of how *quatre-vingt-dix* might appear in addresses. This is important for navigation and communication.
| Example | Translation |
|---|---|
| J’habite au quatre-vingt-dix Rue de la Paix. | I live at 90 Peace Street. |
| Son bureau est au quatre-vingt-dix avenue des Champs-Élysées. | His office is at 90 Champs-Élysées Avenue. |
| L’adresse est quatre-vingt-dix boulevard Haussmann. | The address is 90 Haussmann Boulevard. |
| Le colis doit être livré au quatre-vingt-dix rue Victor Hugo. | The package should be delivered to 90 Victor Hugo Street. |
| Le restaurant se trouve au quatre-vingt-dix place de la République. | The restaurant is located at 90 Republic Square. |
Usage Rules and Grammar
There are a few key rules to keep in mind when using *quatre-vingt-dix* in French.
Agreement with Nouns
Unlike *vingt* in *quatre-vingts* (80), *vingt* in *quatre-vingt-dix* does not take an ‘s’ because it is followed by another number (dix). This is a crucial distinction to remember.
The ‘s’ is only added when *vingt* is the last element of the number.
Liaison
Liaison, the linking of the final consonant of one word to the initial vowel of the next, does not typically occur after *quatre-vingt-dix*. For example, you would not link the ‘t’ in *vingt* to a following word that starts with a vowel.
Cardinal vs. Ordinal Numbers
*Quatre-vingt-dix* is a cardinal number (used for counting). The ordinal number (used for indicating position) is *quatre-vingt-dixième*, meaning “ninetieth.” For example, “*la quatre-vingt-dixième page*” means “the ninetieth page.”
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is adding an ‘s’ to *vingt* in *quatre-vingt-dix*. Remember, the ‘s’ is only used in *quatre-vingts* (80).
Another mistake is misremembering the order of the numbers. It’s essential to remember that it’s “four twenties ten,” not “four ten twenties” or some other variation.
Here’s a table illustrating common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Quatre-vingts-dix | Quatre-vingt-dix | The ‘s’ is only added to *vingt* when it’s the last element (as in *quatre-vingts*). |
| Quatre dix vingt | Quatre-vingt-dix | The correct order is “four twenties ten.” |
| J’ai quatre-vingt dix ans | J’ai quatre-vingt-dix ans | Correctly written with hyphens. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of *quatre-vingt-dix* with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Translation
Translate the following sentences into French using *quatre-vingt-dix*.
| English | French (Answer) |
|---|---|
| There are ninety people in the room. | Il y a quatre-vingt-dix personnes dans la pièce. |
| The movie is ninety minutes long. | Le film dure quatre-vingt-dix minutes. |
| I need ninety euros. | J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt-dix euros. |
| She is ninety years old. | Elle a quatre-vingt-dix ans. |
| The address is 90 Main Street. | L’adresse est quatre-vingt-dix Rue Principale. |
| He scored ninety points. | Il a marqué quatre-vingt-dix points. |
| We bought ninety apples. | Nous avons acheté quatre-vingt-dix pommes. |
| The rent is ninety dollars. | Le loyer est de quatre-vingt-dix dollars. |
| Ninety percent of the students passed. | Quatre-vingt-dix pour cent des étudiants ont réussi. |
| I have ninety stamps. | J’ai quatre-vingt-dix timbres. |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of *quatre-vingt-dix*.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| J’ai _________ livres. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Elle a _________ ans. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Le prix est de _________ euros. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Il y a _________ chaises. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Nous avons besoin de _________ stylos. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Ils ont _________ enfants. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Le train part à _________ heures. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| J’ai visité _________ pays. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Le magasin a _________ employés. | quatre-vingt-dix |
| Le restaurant a _________ tables. | quatre-vingt-dix |
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct translation of the following sentences.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| What is the French for “ninety”? | (a) Quatre-vingts (b) Quatre-vingt-dix (c) Nonante | (b) Quatre-vingt-dix |
| How do you say “She is ninety years old” in French? | (a) Elle a quatre-vingts ans (b) Elle a quatre-vingt-dix ans (c) Elle est nonante ans | (b) Elle a quatre-vingt-dix ans |
| Which of the following is correct? | (a) Quatre-vingts-dix (b) Quatre-vingt-dix (c) Quatre dix vingts | (b) Quatre-vingt-dix |
| The price is ninety euros. | (a) Le prix est quatre-vingts euros (b) Le prix est quatre-vingt-dix euros (c) Le prix est nonante euros | (b) Le prix est quatre-vingt-dix euros |
| How do you say “1990” in French? | (a) Mille neuf cent quatre-vingts (b) Mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix (c) Mille neuf cent nonante | (b) Mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix |
| Which of the following is correct? | (a) Quatre-vingt-dixieme (b) Quatre-vingt-dixième (c) Quatre-vingts-dixième | (b) Quatre-vingt-dixième |
| I need ninety dollars. | (a) J’ai besoin de quatre-vingts dollars (b) J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt-dix dollars (c) J’ai besoin de nonante dollars | (b) J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt-dix dollars |
| There are ninety students in the class. | (a) Il y a quatre-vingts étudiants dans la classe (b) Il y a quatre-vingt-dix étudiants dans la classe (c) Il y a nonante étudiants dans la classe | (b) Il y a quatre-vingt-dix étudiants dans la classe |
| The movie is ninety minutes long. | (a) Le film dure quatre-vingts minutes (b) Le film dure quatre-vingt-dix minutes (c) Le film dure nonante minutes | (b) Le film dure quatre-vingt-dix minutes |
| She has ninety books. | (a) Elle a quatre-vingts livres (b) Elle a quatre-vingt-dix livres (c) Elle a nonante livres | (b) Elle a quatre-vingt-dix livres |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of using numbers in French.
Regional Variations
In some regions, particularly in Switzerland and Belgium, the number 90 is often expressed as *nonante*. While *quatre-vingt-dix* is universally understood, being aware of *nonante* can be helpful when traveling to or interacting with people from these regions.
The use of *nonante* simplifies the number system and avoids the compound structure of *quatre-vingt-dix*.
Historical Context
The unusual structure of French numbers, particularly those above 60, stems from the influence of the Celtic vigesimal system (base 20). While most of Europe adopted the decimal system (base 10) from the Romans, the French language retained traces of this older system.
Understanding this historical context can make the seemingly arbitrary number formations more understandable.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about *quatre-vingt-dix*.
- Why is “90” *quatre-vingt-dix* and not something simpler?
The construction *quatre-vingt-dix* (“four twenties ten”) is a remnant of the historical influence of a vigesimal (base-20) system in the French language. While it might seem complex compared to languages with simpler number formations, it’s a logical extension of how the French express numbers above 60.
- Is it correct to say *quatre-vingts-dix*?
No, it is incorrect to say *quatre-vingts-dix*. The ‘s’ is only added to *vingt* when it is the last element of the number, as in *quatre-vingts* (80). In *quatre-vingt-dix*, *vingt* is followed by *dix*, so it does not take an ‘s’.
- Is *nonante* used in all French-speaking countries?
No, *nonante* is primarily used in Switzerland and Belgium. In France, *quatre-vingt-dix* is the standard and most widely used term for 90. However, French speakers from France will understand *nonante*.
- How do I remember not to put an ‘s’ on *vingt* in *quatre-vingt-dix*?
A helpful tip is to remember that the ‘s’ is only added to *vingt* when it’s the very last part of the number. Since *dix* follows *vingt* in *quatre-vingt-dix*, you don’t add the ‘s’. Think of it as *vingt* needing to stand alone to get its ‘s’.
- How do I pronounce *quatre-vingt-dix* correctly?
The pronunciation of *quatre-vingt-dix* is /katʁə vɛ̃ diz/. Break it down: *quatre* is pronounced like “cat-ruh” (with a soft ‘r’), *vingt* is pronounced like “van” (nasal ‘an’ sound), and *dix* is pronounced like “dees” (with a silent ‘x’). Practice saying it slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed.
- What is the ordinal form of *quatre-vingt-dix*?
The ordinal form of *quatre-vingt-dix* is *quatre-vingt-dixième*, which means “ninetieth.” For example, *la quatre-vingt-dixième page* means “the ninetieth page.”
- Are there any other numbers in French that follow a similar pattern to *quatre-vingt-dix*?
Yes, the numbers 70 through 79 (*soixante-dix*) and 91 through 99 (*quatre-vingt-onze* to *quatre-vingt-dix-neuf*) follow a similar pattern, combining base numbers with additional elements to form the final number.
- Is there a liaison in *quatre-vingt-dix*?
Generally, no. Liaison is less common after *quatre-vingt-dix*. However, regional variations and individual speaking styles might influence whether a slight liaison occurs in certain contexts, but it’s not a strict rule.
Conclusion
Mastering *quatre-vingt-dix* is a significant step in your French language journey. While its structure might seem unconventional at first, understanding its components and practicing its usage in various contexts will make it second nature.
Remember the key points: the absence of the ‘s’ on *vingt*, the correct order of the elements, and the regional variations like *nonante*.
Continue practicing with the exercises provided, and don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in French language media to reinforce your understanding. With consistent effort, you’ll confidently use *quatre-vingt-dix* in everyday conversations and achieve greater fluency in French.
Embrace the quirks of the language, and enjoy the process of learning!