5 in French = cinq

The number 5 in French is "cinq" pronounced "sank" (nasal vowel).

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Cinq has one syllable: cinq

Step by step:

1. Say "s" (normal "s")
2. Make nasal "an" sound (like "on" in "song" but with "ah")
3. The "q" is like "k" but softer
4. Result: "sank" (nasal)

The nasal "in":

• Say "ah" while closing your nose
• Like "an" in "bank" but more nasal
• Don't fully pronounce the "n"

Common mistakes:

• Saying "sink" - it should be nasal "sank"
• Pronouncing the "q" too hard
• Not making it nasal enough

Pronunciation Variations

Before consonants:

• cinq garçons = sank (full pronunciation)
• cinq livres = sank

Before vowels (liaison sometimes optional):

• cinq_enfants = sank-an-fahn OR san-kan-fahn
• Can link or not

Practical Usage

Counting: un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six... Phone numbers: 5 = cinq Prices: 5€ = cinq euros Times: 5:00 = cinq heures Dates: 5th = le cinq, cinquième (ordinal)

Common Phrases

cinq fois: Five times cinquième: Fifth (ordinal) cinq sens: Five senses haut-cinq: High five

Quick Takeaways

• 5 = cinq pronounced "sank" (nasal)
• The "in" is nasal - say through nose
• The "q" is soft
• Cinquième = fifth (ordinal)
• Nasal vowel is key

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in French.