The number 12 is spelt douze in French.
Learning numbers is fundamental in French, just as in any language. Each number has a specific spelling and pronunciation that is essential for everyday communication, whether discussing prices, times, or quantities.
Spelling and Pronunciation of 'Douze'
The spelling of 12 in French is straightforward: douze. Its pronunciation is similar to "dooze" in English, with a soft 'z' sound at the end. Understanding these base numbers is crucial before moving on to more complex numerical concepts in French.
To illustrate, here are some common French numbers around twelve, including their English equivalents and approximate pronunciations:
| English | French | Approx. Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| twelve | douze | (dooze) |
| thirteen | treize | (trez) |
| fourteen | quatorze | (katorz) |
| fifteen | quinze | (kanz) |
Tips for Learning French Numbers
- Practice regularly: Repetition is key to memorizing spellings and pronunciations.
- Listen actively: Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce numbers in various contexts.
- Use them in sentences: Incorporate numbers into simple phrases to make them stick. For example, "J'ai douze ans" (I am twelve years old) or "Il est midi douze" (It is twelve past noon).
Mastering the basic numbers like douze provides a solid foundation for comprehending and utilizing more complex numerical expressions and compound numbers in French.
