Understanding how to count in French is a fundamental aspect of learning the language. While the initial numbers are straightforward, the French number system can become complex, especially when dealing with numbers like 95.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to say 95 in French, breaking down the structure and rules involved. Mastering this skill will significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in French, whether you’re traveling, studying, or simply engaging in conversation.
This guide is perfect for beginners, intermediate learners, and anyone looking to solidify their understanding of French numerals.
This article will help you understand the unique aspects of French number formation, particularly the use of base-twenty (vigesimal) influence in numbers above 60. We’ll explore the specific components of “95” in French, offering examples and practice exercises to ensure clarity and retention.
By the end of this article, you’ll confidently be able to say and understand “95” in French and gain a better grasp of the overall French number system.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: What Does “95” Mean in French?
- Structural Breakdown: Deconstructing “95” in French
- Types and Categories of French Numbers
- Examples: Using “95” in Various Contexts
- Usage Rules: Correctly Using “95” in French
- Common Mistakes: Avoiding Pitfalls When Saying “95”
- Practice Exercises: Test Your Knowledge
- Advanced Topics: Nuances of French Numerals
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: What Does “95” Mean in French?
In French, the number 95 is expressed as quatre-vingt-quinze. This literally translates to “four-twenty-fifteen.” This unusual construction is a vestige of the base-twenty (vigesimal) system that historically influenced the French language. Unlike English and many other languages that primarily use a base-ten (decimal) system, French retains elements of a base-twenty system, particularly in the numbers from 60 to 99. Understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping why 95 is structured the way it is.
The breakdown of quatre-vingt-quinze is as follows:
- Quatre: Meaning “four”
- Vingt: Meaning “twenty”
- Quatre-vingt: Meaning “four twenties” or “eighty” (4 x 20 = 80)
- Quinze: Meaning “fifteen”
- Quatre-vingt-quinze: Meaning “eighty-fifteen” or ninety-five (80 + 15 = 95)
Therefore, quatre-vingt-quinze is a compound numeral formed by combining the concepts of “four twenties” and “fifteen.” This structure highlights the historical influence of the vigesimal system and provides a unique characteristic of the French number system.
Structural Breakdown: Deconstructing “95” in French
To fully understand how to say 95 in French, it’s essential to break down its structural components. The number is formed by combining two distinct parts: quatre-vingt (eighty) and quinze (fifteen). Let’s examine each part in detail.
Quatre-vingt: The Foundation
Quatre-vingt translates literally to “four twenties.” This is where the base-twenty influence is most evident. Instead of saying “eighty” directly, the French express it as a multiple of twenty. The word vingt means twenty, and quatre means four. When combined, quatre-vingt represents 4 x 20 = 80. Note that in this specific construction, there is no “s” added to vingt when it is followed by another numeral.
Quinze: The Addition
Quinze simply means “fifteen.” It is added to quatre-vingt to reach the number 95. The addition is straightforward: 80 + 15 = 95. There is no special grammatical rule or exception involved in adding quinze to quatre-vingt.
Putting It Together: Quatre-vingt-quinze
The complete number, quatre-vingt-quinze, is formed by combining quatre-vingt and quinze with a hyphen. The hyphen connects the two parts, indicating that they form a single numerical unit. This structure is consistent for other numbers in the 80s and 90s, such as quatre-vingt-un (81), quatre-vingt-dix (90), and quatre-vingt-seize (96).
Types and Categories of French Numbers
French numbers can be categorized in several ways, which helps in understanding their formation and usage. Here are some key categories:
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers are used for counting and indicating quantity. Quatre-vingt-quinze is a cardinal number. Other examples include un (one), deux (two), trois (three), and so on. Cardinal numbers are the most basic type of numbers and are used in a wide variety of contexts.
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers indicate position or order in a sequence. For instance, premier (first), deuxième (second), and troisième (third). The ordinal number corresponding to 95 would be quatre-vingt-quinzième (ninety-fifth). Ordinal numbers are often used with dates, rankings, and other situations where order is important.
Compound Numbers
Compound numbers are formed by combining two or more numbers, like quatre-vingt-quinze. These numbers often involve specific rules for hyphenation and agreement. Many numbers in French, especially those above 20, are compound numbers.
Vigesimal Numbers
Vigesimal numbers, related to the base-twenty system, are particularly relevant when discussing numbers like 95. The influence of the vigesimal system is seen in numbers 60 (soixante) to 99 (quatre-vingt-dix-neuf).
Examples: Using “95” in Various Contexts
Understanding how to use quatre-vingt-quinze in different contexts is crucial for practical application. Here are several examples demonstrating its usage in various situations.
Age
When expressing age, quatre-vingt-quinze is used with the word ans (years).
| English | French |
|---|---|
| He is 95 years old. | Il a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| She is 95 years old. | Elle a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| My grandfather is 95 years old. | Mon grand-père a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| The tree is 95 years old. | L’arbre a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| This house is 95 years old. | Cette maison a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| The company is 95 years old. | L’entreprise a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| I will be 95 years old next year. | J’aurai quatre-vingt-quinze ans l’année prochaine. |
| She looks much younger than 95 years old. | Elle paraît beaucoup plus jeune que quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| He celebrated his 95th birthday. | Il a célébré son quatre-vingt-quinzième anniversaire. |
| She is turning 95 this year. | Elle va avoir quatre-vingt-quinze ans cette année. |
| At 95 years old, he is still very active. | À quatre-vingt-quinze ans, il est encore très actif. |
| She lived to be 95 years old. | Elle a vécu jusqu’à quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| He reached the age of 95. | Il a atteint l’âge de quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| She passed away at the age of 95. | Elle est décédée à l’âge de quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| He remembers events from when he was 95. | Il se souvient d’événements de quand il avait quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| She has been retired for 95 years. | Elle est à la retraite depuis quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| He has been working for 95 years. | Il a travaillé pendant quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| She has been married for 95 years. | Elle est mariée depuis quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| He has been living in this house for 95 years. | Il habite cette maison depuis quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| She has been studying for 95 years. | Elle étudie depuis quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
This table illustrates how to use “quatre-vingt-quinze” when discussing someone’s age in French. The phrase “ans” (years) is essential to include.
Addresses and Numbers
In addresses or general numbers, quatre-vingt-quinze is used directly.
| English | French |
|---|---|
| The address is 95 Rue de la Paix. | L’adresse est 95, rue de la Paix. |
| Apartment number 95. | Appartement numéro quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| Page 95 of the book. | Page quatre-vingt-quinze du livre. |
| Room number 95. | Chambre numéro quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| Bus line 95. | Ligne de bus quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| Highway 95. | Autoroute quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| He lives at number 95. | Il habite au numéro quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| She works on floor 95. | Elle travaille au quatre-vingt-quinzième étage. |
| They found it on page 95. | Ils l’ont trouvé à la page quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| The code is 95. | Le code est quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| The bill is for 95 euros. | La facture est de quatre-vingt-quinze euros. |
| The recipe calls for 95 grams of flour. | La recette demande quatre-vingt-quinze grammes de farine. |
| The distance is 95 kilometers. | La distance est de quatre-vingt-quinze kilomètres. |
| The temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit. | La température est de quatre-vingt-quinze degrés Fahrenheit. |
| The speed limit is 95 kilometers per hour. | La limite de vitesse est de quatre-vingt-quinze kilomètres par heure. |
| The movie is 95 minutes long. | Le film dure quatre-vingt-quinze minutes. |
| The book has 95 chapters. | Le livre a quatre-vingt-quinze chapitres. |
| The game has 95 levels. | Le jeu a quatre-vingt-quinze niveaux. |
| The project has 95 tasks. | Le projet a quatre-vingt-quinze tâches. |
| The company has 95 employees. | L’entreprise a quatre-vingt-quinze employés. |
This table shows how quatre-vingt-quinze is used in addresses, apartment numbers, page numbers, and other numerical references. Note the use of “numéro” (number) in some contexts.
Percentages
When expressing percentages, use quatre-vingt-quinze followed by pour cent (percent).
| English | French |
|---|---|
| 95 percent of the students passed. | Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent des étudiants ont réussi. |
| There is a 95 percent chance of rain. | Il y a quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent de chances de pluie. |
| The success rate is 95 percent. | Le taux de réussite est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The discount is 95 percent. | La réduction est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The battery is 95 percent charged. | La batterie est chargée à quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The project is 95 percent complete. | Le projet est terminé à quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| He scored 95 percent on the test. | Il a obtenu quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent à l’examen. |
| She achieved a 95 percent attendance rate. | Elle a atteint un taux de présence de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| They completed 95 percent of the tasks. | Ils ont terminé quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent des tâches. |
| The survey had a 95 percent response rate. | Le sondage a eu un taux de réponse de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| 95 percent of the population agrees. | Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent de la population est d’accord. |
| The company’s profits increased by 95 percent. | Les bénéfices de l’entreprise ont augmenté de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The price was reduced by 95 percent. | Le prix a été réduit de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The risk is reduced by 95 percent. | Le risque est réduit de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The speed increased by 95 percent. | La vitesse a augmenté de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The sales increased by 95 percent. | Les ventes ont augmenté de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The efficiency improved by 95 percent. | L’efficacité s’est améliorée de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The accuracy is 95 percent. | La précision est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The quality is 95 percent. | La qualité est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| The satisfaction rate is 95 percent. | Le taux de satisfaction est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
This table demonstrates how to use quatre-vingt-quinze when expressing percentages. The phrase “pour cent” (percent) always follows the number.
Counting
While less common to count to 95 directly, it’s important to understand its place in the sequence.
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Ninety-one, ninety-two, ninety-three… ninety-five | Quatre-vingt-onze, quatre-vingt-douze, quatre-vingt-treize… quatre-vingt-quinze |
This table shows quatre-vingt-quinze in the context of counting. It emphasizes its position in the sequence of numbers.
Money
When dealing with money, quatre-vingt-quinze is used with the currency (e.g., euros, dollars).
| English | French |
|---|---|
| It costs 95 euros. | Ça coûte quatre-vingt-quinze euros. |
| The price is 95 dollars. | Le prix est de quatre-vingt-quinze dollars. |
| I paid 95 pounds for it. | J’ai payé quatre-vingt-quinze livres pour ça. |
| It’s worth 95 rupees. | Ça vaut quatre-vingt-quinze roupies. |
| The total is 95 yen. | Le total est de quatre-vingt-quinze yens. |
| He earned 95 crowns. | Il a gagné quatre-vingt-quinze couronnes. |
| She spent 95 pesos. | Elle a dépensé quatre-vingt-quinze pesos. |
| They saved 95 francs. | Ils ont économisé quatre-vingt-quinze francs. |
| It’s priced at 95 rubles. | C’est au prix de quatre-vingt-quinze roubles. |
| The fine is 95 zlotys. | L’amende est de quatre-vingt-quinze zlotys. |
| I need 95 cents more. | J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt-quinze centimes de plus. |
| It’s 95 pence each. | C’est quatre-vingt-quinze pence chacun. |
| The value is 95 dinars. | La valeur est de quatre-vingt-quinze dinars. |
| He donated 95 shekels. | Il a fait don de quatre-vingt-quinze shekels. |
| She inherited 95 lire. | Elle a hérité de quatre-vingt-quinze lires. |
| They invested 95 forints. | Ils ont investi quatre-vingt-quinze forints. |
| The debt is 95 cedis. | La dette est de quatre-vingt-quinze cedis. |
| It’s worth 95 baht. | Ça vaut quatre-vingt-quinze bahts. |
| He owes 95 ringgits. | Il doit quatre-vingt-quinze ringgits. |
| She lent 95 kwachas. | Elle a prêté quatre-vingt-quinze kwachas. |
This table illustrates how to use “quatre-vingt-quinze” when talking about money in French. Remember to include the currency after the number.
Usage Rules: Correctly Using “95” in French
Using quatre-vingt-quinze correctly involves understanding a few key rules:
Hyphenation
Always use hyphens to connect the components of quatre-vingt-quinze. This is a standard rule for compound numbers in French.
Agreement of “Vingt”
The word vingt does not take an “s” when followed by another numeral in numbers such as quatre-vingt-quinze. However, in quatre-vingts (80), when it stands alone, it does take an “s”. This is a crucial distinction to remember.
Contextual Usage
Ensure that the context is appropriate for using the cardinal number quatre-vingt-quinze. For ordinal numbers (ninety-fifth), use quatre-vingt-quinzième.
Common Mistakes: Avoiding Pitfalls When Saying “95”
Several common mistakes can occur when learning to say 95 in French. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them.
Forgetting the Hyphens
Incorrect: Quatre vingt quinze
Correct: Quatre-vingt-quinze
Remember to always use hyphens to connect the parts of the number.
Incorrect Agreement of “Vingt”
Incorrect: Quatre-vingts-quinze
Correct: Quatre-vingt-quinze
The word vingt does not take an “s” when followed by another numeral in compound numbers.
Misunderstanding the Vigesimal System
Incorrect: Trying to translate 95 directly without understanding the base-twenty structure.
Correct: Understanding that 95 is “four twenties plus fifteen.”
Practice Exercises: Test Your Knowledge
Test your understanding of how to say 95 in French with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Translation
Translate the following sentences into French, using quatre-vingt-quinze where appropriate.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He is 95 years old. | Il a quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| 2. The address is 95 Rue du Chat. | L’adresse est 95, rue du Chat. |
| 3. 95 percent of the class passed the exam. | Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent de la classe a réussi l’examen. |
| 4. The book has 95 pages. | Le livre a quatre-vingt-quinze pages. |
| 5. It costs 95 euros. | Ça coûte quatre-vingt-quinze euros. |
| 6. She is turning 95 this year. | Elle va avoir quatre-vingt-quinze ans cette année. |
| 7. He lives at number 95. | Il habite au numéro quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| 8. The discount is 95 percent. | La réduction est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| 9. The movie is 95 minutes long. | Le film dure quatre-vingt-quinze minutes. |
| 10. I need 95 cents more. | J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt-quinze centimes de plus. |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of quatre-vingt-quinze.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. J’ai ________ ans. | J’ai quatre-vingt-quinze ans. |
| 2. La page ________ du livre est intéressante. | La page quatre-vingt-quinze du livre est intéressante. |
| 3. ________ pour cent des gens aiment le chocolat. | Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent des gens aiment le chocolat. |
| 4. Le prix est ________ dollars. | Le prix est de quatre-vingt-quinze dollars. |
| 5. Elle a ________ ans cette année. | Elle a quatre-vingt-quinze ans cette année. |
| 6. Il habite au numéro ________. | Il habite au numéro quatre-vingt-quinze. |
| 7. La réduction est de ________ pour cent. | La réduction est de quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent. |
| 8. Le film dure ________ minutes. | Le film dure quatre-vingt-quinze minutes. |
| 9. J’ai besoin de ________ centimes de plus. | J’ai besoin de quatre-vingt-quinze centimes de plus. |
| 10. L’adresse est ________, rue de la Paix. | L’adresse est quatre-vingt-quinze, rue de la Paix. |
Exercise 3: True or False
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false.
| Statement | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Quatre-vingt-quinze means 85 in French. | False |
| 2. Quatre-vingt-quinze is hyphenated. | True |
| 3. Vingt takes an “s” in quatre-vingt-quinze. | False |
| 4. Quatre-vingt-quinzième is the ordinal form of 95. | True |
| 5. Quatre-vingt-quinze ans means 95 months. | False |
| 6. Quatre-vingt-quinze is used for ages. | True |
| 7. Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent means 85 percent. | False |
| 8. Quatre-vingt-quinze is a compound number. | True |
| 9. The base of quatre-vingt-quinze is ten. | False |
| 10. Quatre-vingt-quinze euros means 95 euros. | True |
Advanced Topics: Nuances of French Numerals
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of French numerals can further enhance your language skills.
Historical Context
The vigesimal system’s influence extends beyond the numbers 60-99. Historically, some French speakers used variations like “trois-vingts” (three twenties) for sixty, although this is now considered archaic and is rarely used in modern French.
Regional Variations
In some regions, particularly in Switzerland and Belgium, the number system is slightly different. For example, 70 is often expressed as septante instead of soixante-dix, and 90 is expressed as nonante instead of quatre-vingt-dix. Understanding these regional variations can be helpful when communicating with French speakers from different areas.
Mathematical Operations
When performing mathematical operations in French, it’s important to use the correct terminology. For example, “95 plus 5” is quatre-vingt-quinze plus cinq, and “95 minus 5” is quatre-vingt-quinze moins cinq.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about saying 95 in French:
- Why is “95” so complicated in French?
The complexity arises from the historical influence of the base-twenty (vigesimal) system. Instead of having a unique word for each number, French uses combinations of twenties to express numbers above 60. This system is a remnant of older counting methods.
- Is there an easier way to say “95” in French?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simpler, widely accepted alternative. The standard way to say 95 is quatre-vingt-quinze. While some regional variations exist for other numbers (like 70 and 90), they don’t apply to 95.
- How do I remember the structure of quatre-vingt-quinze?
Break it down into its components: quatre (four), vingt (twenty), and quinze (fifteen). Think of it as “four twenties plus fifteen.” Practice saying it aloud repeatedly to reinforce the structure in your memory.
- Does the word vingt always take an “s” when used in numbers?
No, vingt only takes an “s” when it stands alone as a multiple of twenty, such as in quatre-vingts (80). When followed by another numeral, as in quatre-vingt-quinze, it does not take an “s.”
- What is the ordinal form of “95” in French?
The ordinal form of 95 is quatre-vingt-quinzième. This is used to indicate the ninety-fifth position in a sequence.
- Are there any regional variations for saying “95” in French-speaking countries?
While countries like Switzerland and Belgium have variations for 70 (septante) and 90 (nonante), the term quatre-vingt-quinze remains standard across all French-speaking regions for the number 95.
- How do I pronounce quatre-vingt-quinze correctly?
The pronunciation is approximately: /katʁə vɛ̃t kɛ̃z/. Practice each syllable separately and then combine them. Pay attention to the nasal sound in “vingt” and “quinze”.
-
Is it necessary to use hyphens in quatre-vingt-quinze?
Yes, the hyphens are essential for correctly writing compound numbers in French. They indicate that the words form a single numerical unit.
- Can I use quatre-vingt-quinze in all French-speaking countries?
Yes, quatre-vingt-quinze is universally recognized and used in all French-speaking countries to represent the number 95.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when using quatre-vingt-quinze?
Common mistakes include forgetting the hyphens, incorrectly adding an “s” to vingt, and misunderstanding the vigesimal system. Review the “Common Mistakes” section for more details.
Conclusion
Saying 95 in French, quatre-vingt-quinze, might seem daunting at first, but understanding its structural components and the historical context of the vigesimal system makes it much more manageable. By breaking down the number into “four twenties plus fifteen,” you can grasp the logic behind this unique French numeral. With consistent practice and awareness of common mistakes, you can confidently use quatre-vingt-quinze in various contexts, from expressing age and addresses to discussing percentages and money. Embrace the quirks of the French number system, and you’ll find yourself one step closer to mastering the language. Keep practicing, and soon saying quatre-vingt-quinze will become second nature!