21 in French
Nearby French Numbers
21 in Other Languages
About 21 in French
The French word for 21 is vingt et un. The ordinal form — used for rankings, dates, and sequences — is vingt et unième.
The number 21 is odd. You'll encounter 21 in French in many practical contexts: shopping, transportation, appointments, and everyday small talk.
Mastering numbers like 21 is one of the most practical skills when learning French. Unlike vocabulary that only applies in specific contexts, numbers come up constantly — in shops, on public transport, in conversations about time and money, and when meeting new people.
Learning Numbers in French
What makes French numbers challenging
The base-20 system for 70-99 requires mental arithmetic while listening: quatre-vingt-douze is literally "four-twenty-twelve" (92). Phone numbers are always dictated in pairs, meaning you need instant comprehension of every two-digit number 00-99 — including the tricky 70-99 range. The pace of French phone number dictation is fast, with five pairs rattled off in a natural rhythm. Liaison (sound linking between words) can make number boundaries hard to detect.
Tips for learning French numbers
Master two-digit numbers 00-99 before anything else — French phone numbers demand it. Drill the 70-99 range especially: soixante-dix (70), quatre-vingts (80), quatre-vingt-dix (90). Practice listening to phone numbers dictated in pairs, starting slowly and increasing speed. French TV and radio ads often include phone numbers, making them excellent free practice material. If visiting Belgium or Switzerland, note the simpler septante/huitante/nonante system.