In this lesson, we continue to learn the numbers, the partitive article, and the present tense.

Numbers from 100 to 1000000

Note: When the number ends with “cents” (hundred), it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.

For example, “Deux cents livres” (two hundred books), “Quatre cents chaises” (four hundred chairs).

Recap Exceptions

1. Numbers ending in 11–16: Numbers from 11 to 16 have unique forms that do not follow the standard pattern. For example:

• 11: Onze (eleven)
• 12: Douze (twelve)
• 13: Treize (thirteen)
• 14: Quatorze (fourteen)
• 15: Quinze (fifteen)
• 16: Seize (sixteen)

2. Numbers ending in 70, 80, and 90: The numbers 70, 80, and 90 have unique names in French.

• 70: Soixante-dix (sixty-ten)
• 80: Quatre-vingts (four twenties)
• 90: Quatre-vingt-dix (four twenties and ten)

3. Agreement with “mille”: When “mille” (thousand) is used with a number, it does not change form. It is important to note that “mille” does not take an “s” in plural. For example:

• 2000: Deux mille livres (two thousand books)
• 3000: Trois mille euros (three thousand euros)

4. Agreement with “cent”, “million” and “milliard”: Unlike “mille,” “million” and “milliard” do change form in the plural. They add an “s” when preceded by a number. For example:

• 2 millions d’habitants (2 million inhabitants)
• 3 milliards d’euros (3 billion euros)
• 2 cents livres (2 hundred books)

Don’t worry if the French number system seems a bit tricky at first. There are some exceptions, but with practice and exposure, you’ll get the hang of it in no time!

The Partitive Article

Present Tense