chiffres en anglais

2 min read 26-02-2025

Mastering Numbers in English: A Comprehensive Guide to "Chiffres en Anglais"

Learning a new language often means grappling with a new number system. This comprehensive guide will help you confidently navigate "chiffres en anglais" – numbers in English – from basic digits to complex figures. We'll cover pronunciation, spelling, and practical applications to ensure you can use numbers fluently in everyday conversations and written communication.

Understanding the Basic Numbers (0-9)

Let's start with the foundation: the digits zero through nine. These are the building blocks for all other numbers.

Zero: 0 (pronounced "zee-roh" or "oh")
One: 1 (pronounced "wun")
Two: 2 (pronounced "too")
Three: 3 (pronounced "three")
Four: 4 (pronounced "for")
Five: 5 (pronounced "faiv")
Six: 6 (pronounced "siks")
Seven: 7 (pronounced "sevn")
Eight: 8 (pronounced "ait")
Nine: 9 (pronounced "nain")

Numbers 10-19: Teens and Their Quirks

The numbers 10-19 follow a slightly irregular pattern. Notice how "teen" is added to the end of the single-digit numbers, with a few exceptions in pronunciation.

Ten: 10 (pronounced "ten")
Eleven: 11 (pronounced "ih-lev-n")
Twelve: 12 (pronounced "twelv")
Thirteen: 13 (pronounced "thir-teen")
Fourteen: 14 (pronounced "for-teen")
Fifteen: 15 (pronounced "fif-teen")
Sixteen: 16 (pronounced "siks-teen")
Seventeen: 17 (pronounced "sevn-teen")
Eighteen: 18 (pronounced "ait-teen")
Nineteen: 19 (pronounced "nain-teen")

Numbers 20-99: Tens and Units

Once you pass 19, the system becomes more regular. Numbers from 20 to 99 are formed by combining the tens digit with the units digit.

Twenty: 20 (pronounced "twen-tee")
Thirty: 30 (pronounced "thir-tee")
Forty: 40 (pronounced "for-tee")
Fifty: 50 (pronounced "fif-tee")
Sixty: 60 (pronounced "siks-tee")
Seventy: 70 (pronounced "sevn-tee")
Eighty: 80 (pronounced "ay-tee")
Ninety: 90 (pronounced "nain-tee")

For numbers like 23 (twenty-three), 47 (forty-seven), or 91 (ninety-one), simply combine the tens and units.

Hundreds, Thousands, and Beyond

Moving to larger numbers, we use "hundred," "thousand," "million," "billion," etc., as placeholders.

One hundred: 100
One thousand: 1,000
One million: 1,000,000
One billion: 1,000,000,000

For example, 1,234 is pronounced "one thousand, two hundred and thirty-four." Note the use of "and" before the hundreds place. In American English, the "and" is often omitted.

Decimal Numbers and Fractions

Decimal numbers use a point (.) to separate the whole number from the fractional part. Fractions can be expressed in words (one-half, three-quarters) or as decimal numbers.

2.5: Two point five
1/2: One-half
3/4: Three-quarters

Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers indicate position or order (first, second, third, etc.).

First: 1st
Second: 2nd
Third: 3rd
Fourth: 4th
Fifth: 5th
Sixth: 6th
And so on... (Note the irregular spelling of some ordinal numbers.)

Practicing Your Skills

The best way to master numbers in English is through consistent practice. Try these exercises:

Write out numbers in words: Choose random numbers and practice writing them out.
Dictate numbers: Ask a friend or language partner to dictate numbers for you to write down.
Use numbers in sentences: Incorporate numbers into your everyday conversations and writing.

By following these guidelines and dedicating time to practice, you'll quickly become proficient in using "chiffres en anglais" and confidently communicate using numbers in English.