Nombre en anglais – Traduction, prononciation et exemples

The French word nombre has its direct equivalent in English in the term number. This translation applies in the majority of contexts, whether in mathematics, quantification, or grammar. The English pronunciation of this word is /ˈnʌmbər/, with stress on the first syllable.

Understanding how to express the concept of number in English is essential for any language learner. Whether for mathematical calculations, everyday conversations, or formal writing, proper use of this term determines the clarity of the message.

Translation and Definition of the Word Nombre in English

In English, the word number corresponds to the French term nombre. This equivalence is confirmed by the major bilingual and monolingual dictionaries.

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Key Insights

• The word nombre translates systematically to number in common contexts.
• Dictionaries such as WordReference, Larousse, and Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries converge on this translation.
• The American pronunciation is /ˈnʌmbər/, with a short vowel sound on the first syllable.
• Subtle distinctions sometimes exist with amount or quantity depending on context.
• Grammatical agreement in number (singular/plural) works similarly in both languages.
• In mathematical contexts, specific terms like prime number or odd number are used.

Comparative Table of Mathematical Terms

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in English

Numbers in English are divided into two main categories: cardinals for counting and ordinals for position. Their formation follows regular rules that are worth mastering.

Cardinal Numbers from 1 to 10

The basic cardinal numbers are as follows: one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5), six (6), seven (7), eight (8), nine (9), ten (10).

Tens and Number Formation

For tens, we use twenty (20), thirty (30), forty (40, without the letter u unlike British spelling), fifty (50), and so on up to ninety (90). Between tens, a hyphen connects the two elements: twenty-one (21), thirty-four (34).

Beyond 100, the American rule prefers adding and before the tens: one hundred and twenty-five (125). Large numbers are read by thousands (thousand) and millions (million).

Ordinal Numbers

Ordinals indicate position: first (1st), second (2nd), third (3rd), fourth (4th), fifth (5th). Common abbreviations are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. A notable exception: 11 is written 11th, not 11st.

For dates, ordinals are used: the sixth of January or January sixth. In grammar, cardinals come after last or next (the last twelve kilometers), while ordinals precede superlatives (the fourth richest nation).

Decimals and Percentages

In American English, the period serves as the decimal separator. The number 3.04 is read three point zero four. Decimals are pronounced digit by digit, without using the names of tens.

Mathematical Terms Associated with Numbers in English

In mathematical contexts, certain English terms deserve special attention. Vocabulary precision helps avoid ambiguity in scientific exchanges.

Operations and Common Expressions

Basic operations are expressed as follows: eight plus two make ten for 8+2=10, and the square root of sixteen is four for the square root of 16 which equals 4. The vocabulary includes add (to add), subtract (to subtract), multiply (to multiply), divide (to divide).

Advanced Mathematical Expressions

For very large numbers, powers are sometimes used: nine to the fortieth denotes 9^40. Fractions are expressed with over: three over four for three quarters.

Grammatical Position of Numbers in English

In English, the placement of numbers in sentences follows specific rules. Cardinal numbers preceding a noun are generally used without an article for vague quantities, but with a or one for clarification.

We write a pizza for a generic pizza, but one pizza to emphasize quantity. Before a noun beginning with a vowel, we use an: an eggplant.

Agreements and Specificities

Agreement in number works comparably to French. Countable nouns change form in the plural, while uncountable nouns remain invariable. The distinction between number and amount follows this logic: number for countable elements, amount for continuous or uncountable quantities.

What We Know with Certainty and What Remains Unclear

Historical and Etymological Context

The English word number derives from Old French nombre, itself from Latin numerus. This common origin explains the similarities between the two languages for this fundamental concept.

In Western mathematical tradition, the concept of number has progressively enriched itself: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers. English terminology evolved in parallel, often preserving Latin or French roots.

Lexical Sources and Reference Definitions

According to WordReference, nombre translates to number as the main translation, with prime or first for specific mathematical contexts.

The Larousse dictionary confirms odd number for nombre impair and prime number for nombre premier.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries defines large number as the standard translation of grand nombre, with the pronunciation /ˈnʌmbə(r)/.

Common Expressions and Useful Links

The word number appears in many everyday expressions: What’s your number? (what is your phone number?), a number of (a certain number of), back number (back issue). To further explore translations, consult the specialized resources available online through major dictionary platforms.

To enrich your mathematical vocabulary in English, you can explore guides covering numbers from 1 to 1 billion, as well as punctuation rules specifying the use of the period for decimals and the comma for thousands.