Saying The Year Wrong

By David Issokson • November 19, 2016 • Updated December 26, 2020

One of the most common mistakes I’ve heard students make in my online French lessons is saying the year wrong. This is because in French you must say the word “cent” for hundred. For the 2000s it’s easy. You simply say “deux mille” (2000) plus the year. For example: 2016 is “deux mille seize” and 2005 is “deux mille cinq”.

Examples of the right and wrong ways to say the year in French

1964

RIGHT: Mille neuf cent soixante-quatre
RIGHT: Dix-neuf cent soixante-quatre
WRONG: Mille neuf soixante-quatre

1990

RIGHT: Mille neuf cent quatre-vingt dix
WRONG: Mille neuf quatre-vingt-dix

1942

RIGHT: Mille neuf cent quarante-deux
WRONG: Mille neuf quarante-deux

1985

RIGHT: Mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-cinq
WRONG: Mille neuf quatre-vingt-cinq

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David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.

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About David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.