A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "One" in French
The French word for 'one', used for counting, quantities, and as an indefinite article.
un
uhnneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use 'un' when counting items, like ordering 'un café' or buying 'un kilo de pommes'. It also functions as the masculine indefinite article, meaning 'a' or 'an', such as in 'un homme' (a man).
Alternatives
- uneUsed when referring to a feminine noun, like 'une voiture' (a car).
- onUsed in the sense of 'one' meaning 'people in general' or 'we', as in 'on va au cinéma' (we are going to the cinema).
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'n'
The 'n' in 'un' is nasalized, meaning the sound resonates in your nose, and the 'n' itself isn't fully pronounced.
Confusing 'un' and 'une'
'Un' is for masculine nouns, and 'une' is for feminine nouns; remember to match the gender.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I use 'un' vs 'une'?
You use 'un' before masculine nouns and 'une' before feminine nouns. You'll need to learn the gender of each noun.
How do I pronounce 'un' correctly?
The sound is nasal; think of the 'un' in 'under' but with the sound coming more from your nose and less from your mouth.
Can 'un' mean 'a' or 'an'?
Yes, 'un' is the masculine equivalent of the indefinite article 'a' or 'an', just like 'une' is the feminine equivalent.
Is one in French un or une?
The word for 'one' in French is 'un' when referring to a masculine noun and 'une' when referring to a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce 'un' in French?
The French word for 'one' is pronounced like 'uh(n)', with a nasal sound at the end.
What is the meaning of 'un' in French?
'Un' is the French word for the number one, and it also functions as the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' for masculine nouns.
