500 in French
500 in Other Languages
About 500 in French
The French word for 500 is cinq cents. The ordinal form — used for rankings, dates, and sequences — is cinq centième.
In mathematics, 500 is even. 500 comes up regularly in French conversations — in stores, when giving your phone number, reading addresses, or discussing dates and ages.
Mastering numbers like 500 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.