Ordinal numbers play a crucial role in everyday French conversations, whether you’re scheduling a meeting, listing items, or celebrating milestones. Unlike cardinal numbers, which express quantity (e.g., un, deux, trois), ordinal numbers denote the order of things (e.g., first, second, third). In this blog post, we’ll explore how to form and use ordinal numbers in French effectively.
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers indicate the rank or position of an item in a sequence. For example:
- Premier (first)
- Deuxième (second)
- Troisième (third)
They are commonly used for:
- Dates: le premier janvier (the first of January).
- Sequencing: la deuxième étape (the second step).
- Rankings: le quatrième étage (the fourth floor).
Formation of Ordinal Numbers
Most ordinal numbers in French are formed by adding -ième to the cardinal number. However, there are a few exceptions and rules to note:
1. The First (Premier/Première)
- Masculine: premier
- Feminine: première
Example: - Le premier chapitre (The first chapter).
- La première fois (The first time).
2. General Rule
For numbers beyond one, add -ième to the cardinal number:
- 2 → deuxième
- 3 → troisième
- 4 → quatrième
Note: If the cardinal number ends in -e, drop the -e before adding -ième:
- 5 → cinquième (not cinqième).
- 9 → neuvième (not neufième).
3. Special Cases
- Cinquième (fifth) changes the ending slightly for better pronunciation.
- Neuvième (ninth) drops the f from neuf and replaces it with v.
4. Large Numbers
For larger numbers, follow the same rule:
- 21 → vingt et unième.
- 100 → centième.
Ordinal numbers remain consistent even when numbers grow more complex:
- Deux cent quarante-cinquième (245th).
Common Usage of Ordinal Numbers
- Dates
Ordinal numbers are often used for the first day of the month:
- le premier mai (May 1st).
For other days, cardinal numbers are used: - le deux mai (May 2nd).
- Rankings and Competitions
- Elle est arrivée deuxième. (She came second.)
- Ils ont terminé troisième. (They finished third.)
- Addresses and Floors
- J’habite au cinquième étage. (I live on the fifth floor.)
- Lists or Steps
- La première étape est importante. (The first step is important.)
Conclusion
Mastering ordinal numbers in French is easier than it seems. By understanding the rules, practicing their use in everyday contexts, and noting the exceptions, you can confidently use them in conversation and writing. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, navigating a building, or listing your goals, ordinal numbers will always come in handy.
Bon apprentissage!
