Quantities with Specific Numbers

Specific numbers function like adjectives in French. They sit right in front of the noun. They tell us exactly how many items exist. Unlike words like beaucoup (many), numbers are usually direct. They do not like to use the word de as a bridge. Think of the number and the noun as best friends. They want to stand right next to each other. They do not want a third wheel. If you say trois chats, you are being perfect. If you say trois de chats, you are making the grammar gods cry. It is a very clean, one-to-one relationship. Most numbers never change their shape. They are solid and reliable. You can count on them to stay the same.

1. 1Building a phrase with a specific number is a three-step process.
2. 2Pick your specific number (e.g., deux, douze, cent).
3. 3Pick your noun (e.g., pommes, étudiants, euros).
4. 4Put them together: [Number] + [Noun].
5. 5Example: quatre + livres = quatre livres (four books).
6. 6If the number is un (one), remember it must match the gender. Use un for masculine and une for feminine. For example, un garçon but une fille. For all other numbers, the gender of the noun does not matter. The number stays the same. Also, remember that nouns usually become plural after the number one. Add an s or an x to your noun. It is like a grammar traffic light. Once you pass 'one', everything becomes plural.

Use specific numbers when you know the exact count. This happens often in real-world scenarios. Imagine you are at a busy Parisian bakery. You do not want "some" croissants. You want exactly trois croissants. Use numbers when giving your phone number. Use them when stating your age: J'ai vingt ans. Use them when talking about time: Il est cinq heures. Use them when discussing prices: C'est dix euros. In a job interview, use them for experience. Say, J'ai travaillé cinq ans à Lyon. Numbers provide clarity and confidence. They make you sound like you know exactly what you want. It is the language of precision and facts.

Do not use this pattern for vague amounts. If you are not sure how many, use partitives. For example, use du or des. Do not use specific numbers with the word de (of). This is the biggest trap for English speakers. We say "a dozen of eggs," but French says une douzaine d'œufs. Wait, that is a collective noun, not a simple number! For simple numbers like deux or dix, keep de away. Also, do not use numbers alone if the noun is implied. You need the pronoun en. Instead of saying "I have two," say J'en ai deux. Finally, avoid specific numbers when talking about general concepts. If you love dogs in general, do not use a number.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. The most common mistake is adding de. People often say cinq de livres. This is incorrect. Just say cinq livres. It is shorter and better. Another mistake involves the numbers vingt (20) and cent (100). These numbers can sometimes take an s. Use an s if they are multiplied and end the phrase. For example, quatre-vingts (80). But if another number follows, the s disappears. Say quatre-vingt-deux (82). It is a bit like a disappearing ink trick. Also, never add an s to mille (1000). It is always mille. It is the lone wolf of the number world. It never changes, no matter how many thousands you have.

Let’s compare specific numbers to quantity adverbs. Words like beaucoup or trop always need de. You say beaucoup de café. But with a number, you say deux cafés. See the difference? The number is strong enough to stand alone. The adverb is weak and needs a bridge. Now, look at un million. This is actually a noun, not just a number. Because it is a noun, it needs de. You say un million de personnes. This is the one big exception to the "no de" rule. Think of million as a different beast entirely. It behaves like une boîte (a box). You would say une boîte de chocolats. So, you say un million de chocolats. For everything else, keep it simple.