9 in French = neuf

The number 9 in French is "neuf" pronounced "nuhf" (rhymes with "buff").

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Neuf has one syllable: neuf

Step by step:

1. Say "n" (normal "n")
2. Make French "eu" sound - round lips, say "uh"
3. Say "f" at the end
4. Result: "nuhf" (with rounded lips)

The "f" pronunciation:

• Before consonant: "f" sound (nuhf)
• Before vowel: becomes "v" (nuh-v)
• This is unique to neuf!

Examples:

• Neuf = nuhf (alone)
• Neuf garçons = nuhf gar-sohn
• Neuf_enfants = nuh-van-fahn (f→v)
• Neuf_heures = nuh-vur (f→v)
• Neuf_euros = nuh-veu-roh (f→v)

Neuf vs Nouveau

Two different words:

• Neuf (number) = nine - "nuhf"
• Neuf (adjective) = new - "nuhf"
• Same spelling, same meaning!

Examples:

• J'ai neuf ans = I'm nine years old (number)
• C'est neuf = It's new (adjective)

"Nouveau" vs "neuf":

• Nouveau = new (unused OR recent)
• Neuf = brand new (never used)

Practical Usage

Counting: ...huit, neuf, zéro, un, deux... Phone numbers: 9 = neuf Prices: 9€ = neuf euros (nuh-veu-roh) Times: 9:00 = neuf heures (nuh-vur) Dates: 9th = le neuf, neuvième (ordinal)

Common Phrases

neuf fois: Nine times neuvième: Ninth (ordinal) refaire à neuf: To make like new again tout neuf: Brand new

The F→V Change

Unique to neuf: When neuf (9) appears before a vowel, "f" becomes "v":

• Neuf_ans = nuh-van (not nuhf-an)
• Neuf_heures = nuh-vur (not nuhf-ur)

This only happens with the number 9, making it unique among French numbers.

Quick Takeaways

• 9 = neuf pronounced "nuhf"
• French "eu" sound with rounded lips
• Before vowels: "f" becomes "v" (neuf_ans = nuh-van)
• Also means "new" (brand new)
• Neuvième = ninth (ordinal)
• Unique f→v liaison

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in French.