Learn French Numbers 1–10 and Count Everyday Objects
Master French numbers un to dix and use them to count fingers, books, apples, and more with correct pronunciation and simple phrases.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
Counting is one of the first practical skills in any language. In this lesson, you will learn the French numbers from one to ten and how to use them to count objects around you. We will focus on pronunciation, the difference between counting in a list and saying how many items there are, and a few essential phrases like 'J'ai deux stylos' (I have two pens). By the end, you will be able to count fingers, name quantities, and ask 'How many?' in simple situations.
By the end, you can…
- say the numbers 1–10 in French with correct pronunciation.
- count objects like fingers, books, or apples using French numbers.
- ask and answer simple questions about quantity using 'Combien' and 'J'ai'.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq
one, two, three, four, five
uh(n), duh, twah, katr, sank
The basic sequence from 1 to 5. Say each number clearly; the comma pauses are short.
six, sept, huit, neuf, dix
six, seven, eight, nine, ten
sees, set, weet, nuhf, dees
Numbers 6 to 10. Note that 'six' and 'dix' end with a soft 's' sound, and 'huit' starts with a slight 'w' sound. The final 't' in 'huit' is silent.
J'ai trois pommes.
I have three apples.
zhay twah pom
Use 'J'ai' (I have) + number + noun to state how many items you have. The noun usually takes a plural form when the number is two or more.
Combien de doigts ?
How many fingers?
kom-beean duh dwah
Ask about quantity with 'Combien de' + noun. The noun is usually plural. This is a common question when counting with children or in games.
Il y a cinq livres.
There are five books.
eel ee ah sank leevr
Use 'Il y a' to say 'there is/are'. The number comes after 'Il y a' and before the noun. This phrase is very common for describing what is present.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To count objects, use the pattern: Number + noun. For example, 'deux chats' (two cats), 'sept stylos' (seven pens). If you want to say 'I have', start with 'J'ai': 'J'ai quatre frères' (I have four brothers). To ask 'How many?', use 'Combien de' + noun: 'Combien de personnes ?' (How many people?). Remember that in French, most nouns have a plural form when the number is two or more, but some words like 'fois' (times) stay the same. Also, the number 'un' changes to 'une' for feminine nouns: 'une pomme' (one apple), 'un livre' (one book).
When to use it
Use these numbers whenever you need to give a quantity: shopping ('Je voudrais six croissants'), counting people ('Il y a huit élèves'), or telling time ('Il est dix heures' – it is ten o'clock). When counting out loud, simply say the numbers in order: 'un, deux, trois...'. In everyday conversation, you often combine a number with a noun, as in 'J'ai deux sœurs' (I have two sisters). For zero, use 'zéro', but this lesson focuses on 1–10.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Combien de stylos as-tu ?
How many pens do you have?kom-beean duh stee-lo ah tewJ'ai trois stylos.
I have three pens.zhay twah stee-loEt combien de cahiers ?
And how many notebooks?ay kom-beean duh kah-yayJ'ai deux cahiers.
I have two notebooks.zhay duh kah-yayA little context goes a long way
In French-speaking regions, the pronunciation of numbers can vary slightly. For example, in Quebec, 'six' may sound like 'sis', while in France it is often 'see' before a consonant. Also, when counting objects, the French often use 'Il y a' to state existence, which is more natural than translating 'there is/are' literally. In informal settings, people may drop the 'ne' in negative sentences, but for numbers, the forms remain the same.
One thing to watch for
Using 'un' for all nouns, e.g., 'un pomme'.
Try this instead: Use 'une' for feminine nouns: 'une pomme' (an apple). Check the noun's gender; most nouns ending in -e are feminine, but there are exceptions. For masculine nouns, use 'un': 'un livre' (a book).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I have five apples' in French?
Show a sample answer
J'ai cinq pommes.
This uses 'J'ai' (I have), the number 'cinq' (five), and the plural noun 'pommes' (apples). Note that 'pomme' becomes plural because there are five.
2What is the French for 'seven'?
Show a sample answer
sept
The number seven is 'sept', pronounced 'set'. The final 't' is silent.
3Translate: 'There are eight books.'
Show a sample answer
Il y a huit livres.
'Il y a' means 'there is/are', 'huit' is eight, and 'livres' is books. The noun is plural because there are eight.
Practice counting from un to dix daily, and use 'J'ai' or 'Il y a' to talk about quantities. Remember that 'un' becomes 'une' for feminine nouns, and most nouns add an -s in the plural when the number is two or more.
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