French Numbers 1-10
The French numbers 1-10 are: un (1), deux (2), trois (3), quatre (4), cinq (5), six (6), sept (7) huit (8) neuf (9), dix (10). Learning to count from one to ten is essential for learning higher French numbers. This page provides essential pronunciation tips for counting to ten in French.
Expand your learning
Leaning 1-10 is just the beginning. This page covers French numbers 1-100 and also provides lots memorization tips. We also suggest Frenchtoday.com’s course, “Mastering French Numbers“.
Pronunciation tips for counting from one to ten in French
Un (one)
For the number one (un, 1), do not make an -n sound. Try not to let the tip of your tongue touch the roof of your mouth. Listen to the audio below and you will see that the sound is nasal.
Deux (two)
For the number two (deux, 2), do not make an “oo” sound. To pronounce “deux” correctly, first say “je” (I in French). Isolate the “e” sound and put a -d in front of it. The words “deux” and “je” rhyme.
Trois (three)
The French number three (trois, 3) has an “oi” sound. This is the same sound as in “moi” (me). Be sure not to pronounce the -s, which is silent.
Quatre (four)
For the number four (quatre, 4), say: kah-truh. The “uh” sound at the end may be voiced or unvoiced.
Cinq (five)
For the number five (cinq, 5), simply say “sank” as in “You sank my battleship!”.
Six (six)
The number six (six, 6) has very specific pronunciation rules. If the number precedes a noun which starts with a consonant, “six” is pronounced “see”. For example, six pommes (six apples) is pronounced “see pum”.
If the number six is standing alone, pronounce the -x. For example: “Combien de pommes as-tu?” (How many apples do you have?”. Answer: – Six. Say the -x here like “sees.
Sept (seven)
For the number seven (sept, 7), simply say “set” as in “I set the table”.
Huit (eight)
For the number eight (huit, 8), say “oo-ee-t”. This also sounds very similar to the English word “wheat” as wheat bread.
Neuf (nine)
For the number nine (neuf, 9), the “eu” sound also rhymes with “je”. Isolate the -e sound son “je” and wrap -n and -f around it.
Dix (ten)
The pronunciation rules that apply to six also apply to ten (dix, 10). When dix precedes a noun starting with a vowel don’t pronounce the -x and say “dee”.
For example, dix tomates (ten tomatoes) is pronounced “dee toh-maht”. When answering the question, “Combien de tomates avez-vous?” (How many tomatoes do you have?”), answer: “-Dix”. Say the -x here like “Dees”.
French numbers 1-10 chart with pronunciation
| Number | Sounds Like | Pronunciation Symbole |
| Un 1 | uhn | [œ̃] |
| Deux 2 | duh | [dø] |
| Trois 3 | trwah | [tʀwɑ] |
| Quatre 4 | katruh | [katʀ] |
| Cinq 5 | sank | [sɛ̃k] |
| Six 6 | sees | [sis] |
| Sept 7 | set | [sɛt] |
| Huit 8 | weet | [ˈɥi(t)] |
| Neuf 9 | nuf | [nœf] |
| Dix 10 | dees | [dis] |
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