In French, the number 90 is written as "quatre-vingt dix" or simply "90" in numerals. The word "quatre-vingt dix" can be broken down into three parts: "quatre-vingt" (meaning "four-twenty") and "dix" (meaning "ten").
Explanation of Forms
The French number system is based on the decimal system, just like English. However, French has a unique way of expressing large numbers, especially when it comes to multiples of twenty. In French, "quatre-vingt" is used to represent the number 80, which is a multiple of twenty. When you add "dix" to "quatre-vingt," you get the number 90.
Examples of Usage
Here are some example sentences using "quatre-vingt dix" in French:
- Il y a quatre-vingt dix ans, je n'avais pas encore rencontré mon épouse.
- Le nombre de personnes qui ont participé à l'événement était de quatre-vingt dix.
- En 1890, le monde était très différent de ce qu'il est aujourd'hui.
Notes on Usage
When using "quatre-vingt dix," it's important to remember that it is a unique way of expressing the number 90 in French. In most other contexts, you can simply use the numeral "90" (neuf-zero) or even "nouveau-neuf" (meaning "new ninety") as a colloquial expression.
Word Origin
The origin of the French word "quatre-vingt dix" can be traced back to the Old French language. The word "quatre-vingt" comes from the combination of "quatre" (meaning "four") and "vingt" (meaning "twenty"). The word "dix" means "ten" in French.
Additional Variations
As mentioned earlier, you can use the numeral "90" (neuf-zero) or the colloquial expression "nouveau-neuf" in place of "quatre-vingt dix" in most contexts. However, when you want to emphasize the historical significance of the number 90 or when using it in a formal context, it's best to use "quatre-vingt dix."
In conclusion, "quatre-vingt dix" is the French equivalent of the number 90. It is a unique way of expressing this number in French and is derived from the Old French language. By understanding the origin and usage of this expression, you can better appreciate the richness of the French language and communicate more effectively in French.