how to say french years

2 min read 21-01-2025

French years, like English years, follow a pattern, but with some twists! This guide will teach you how to say any year in French, from the ancient past to the distant future. Mastering this skill is essential for navigating French history, dates, and everyday conversations.

Understanding the Basics: Numbers 1-100

Before tackling years, let's review the French numbers from one to one hundred. This foundational knowledge is crucial for building upon. You can find comprehensive number charts online or in French language textbooks.

Un: One
Deux: Two
Trois: Three
Quatre: Four
Cinq: Five
Six: Six
Sept: Seven
Huit: Eight
Neuf: Nine
Dix: Ten
Vingt: Twenty
Trente: Thirty
Quarante: Forty
Cinquante: Fifty
Soixante: Sixty
Soixante-dix: Seventy
Quatre-vingts: Eighty
Quatre-vingt-dix: Ninety
Cent: One hundred

Saying Years in French: The Method

French years are expressed differently depending on the year. Here's a breakdown:

Years 1900-1999:

Years between 1900 and 1999 follow a simple pattern. You just state the last two digits, preceded by "mille neuf cent" (nineteen hundred). For example:

1985: mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-cinq (nineteen eighty-five)
1920: mille neuf cent vingt (nineteen twenty)
1901: mille neuf cent un (nineteen oh-one)

Years 2000-2099:

These years use "deux mille" (two thousand) followed by the last two digits. For instance:

2023: deux mille vingt-trois (two thousand twenty-three)
2010: deux mille dix (two thousand ten)
2005: deux mille cinq (two thousand five)

Years Before 1900 and After 2099:

For years before 1900 and beyond 2099, you'll need to use the full number in French. This will require combining your knowledge of French numbers and applying the appropriate connectors (like "et" for "and" and hyphens for compound numbers).

1888: mille huit cent quatre-vingt-huit (one thousand eight hundred eighty-eight)
2150: deux mille cent cinquante (two thousand one hundred fifty)

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master saying French years is through practice. Try writing out different years and saying them aloud. You can create flashcards or use online resources to test your skills. Immerse yourself in French media—movies, music, or podcasts—to hear years spoken naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Number agreement: Remember that numbers in French agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify, but not in the context of years.
Hyphenation: Use hyphens correctly when combining numbers.
Pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of each number and their combination.

Conclusion: Mastering French Years

Learning to say French years may seem daunting at first, but with consistent practice and a good understanding of French numbers, you'll soon be effortlessly expressing any year in French. This essential skill will enhance your communication and understanding of French culture and history. So grab a pen and paper, and start practicing! Bon courage! (Good luck!)