At the A1 level, 'douze' is introduced as one of the essential numbers for basic survival communication. Learners focus on counting from 0 to 20, where 'douze' is a key milestone. The primary use is for personal information, such as stating your age ('J'ai douze ans') or your phone number. Students also learn to use 'douze' for simple shopping tasks, like asking for twelve items or understanding a price like 'douze euros'. Telling time is another critical A1 skill where 'douze' appears, specifically for 12:00 PM (douze heures/midi). The focus is on recognition and correct pronunciation of the 'ou' and 'z' sounds to ensure they aren't confused with 'deux'. Learners at this level should be able to write the word correctly and use it in simple subject-verb-object sentences.
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'douze' into more varied daily contexts. They begin to use 'une douzaine' (a dozen) when shopping at markets, understanding that it functions as a collective noun. 'Douze' is used in descriptions of schedules and travel, such as identifying bus lines ('le bus douze') or platform numbers. Learners also start using 'douze' in the context of dates and calendars, knowing that 'le douze' refers to the twelfth day of any month. The use of 'douze' in basic mathematical operations (addition and subtraction) is also common. At this stage, students should be comfortable with the liaison in phrases like 'douze ans' and 'douze heures', and they should begin to distinguish between 'douze' and 'douzième' for simple rankings.
At the B1 level, 'douze' is used in more descriptive and narrative contexts. Learners use it to provide specific details in stories, such as 'il y avait douze personnes dans la salle'. They also encounter 'douze' in more complex time expressions and formal schedules. In terms of grammar, B1 students learn to use 'douze' within more sophisticated structures, such as 'au bout de douze jours' (after twelve days). They are expected to understand cultural references involving the number, such as the twelve months of the year or the twelve signs of the zodiac. B1 learners also start to use 'douze' in professional settings, such as discussing project timelines ('douze mois de travail') or budget figures. Their pronunciation should be fluid, accurately handling the voiced 'z' in all positions.
At the B2 level, 'douze' appears in idiomatic expressions and more abstract discussions. Learners are expected to understand the metaphorical use of 'douze', such as 'le douzième homme' in sports or 'les douze coups de minuit' in literature. They can discuss historical figures like 'Louis XII' and understand the use of Roman numerals. B2 students use 'douze' to express precise quantities in arguments or reports, and they can easily switch between 'douze' and 'une douzaine' to convey different degrees of precision. They also explore the use of 'douze' in the legal system, such as the composition of a jury. At this level, the word is used effortlessly in both formal and informal registers, with a full grasp of its numerical and symbolic weight.
At the C1 level, learners appreciate the stylistic and historical nuances of 'douze'. They may encounter the word in classical French literature, where the 'alexandrin' (a line of twelve syllables) is the standard meter for poetry. Understanding the 'douze' structure of an alexandrin is key to analyzing poets like Racine or Victor Hugo. C1 students also explore the etymological roots of 'douze' and how the duodecimal system influenced French culture and measurements before the metric revolution. They can use 'douze' in complex legal or academic texts, such as discussing 'l'article douze' of a constitution. The word is no longer just a number but a tool for precise stylistic expression and cultural analysis.
At the C2 level, 'douze' is used with complete native-like mastery, including all its subtle connotations in various specialized fields. A C2 learner can discuss the mathematical properties of twelve as a highly composite number in French, or its symbolic significance in theology and mythology. They are comfortable with the word in every possible register, from high-level academic discourse to street slang. They can analyze the rhythmic use of 'douze' in contemporary French music and film. The word 'douze' becomes an integrated part of their sophisticated vocabulary, used to craft complex sentences that reflect a deep understanding of French linguistic heritage and modern usage.

douze 30초 만에

  • Douze means twelve in French and is a basic cardinal number used for counting.
  • It is invariable, meaning it never changes spelling regardless of the gender or number of the noun.
  • Commonly used for telling time (noon), expressing age, and identifying bus lines or addresses.
  • Often associated with 'une douzaine' (a dozen) in commercial and market contexts.
The French word douze is a cardinal number representing the quantity of twelve. It occupies a pivotal position in the French numerical system, serving as the bridge between the idiosyncratic 'teens' (onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, seize) and the more regular decimal-based numbers that follow. Linguistically, 'douze' is derived from the Latin 'duodecim', a combination of 'duo' (two) and 'decem' (ten). This mathematical foundation is essential for French learners to grasp, as 'douze' is not merely a digit but a fundamental unit of measurement and time-keeping in Francophone cultures.
Mathematical Status
In mathematics, douze is an even composite number. It is highly versatile because it can be divided by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, making it a preferred base for many historical measurement systems before the widespread adoption of the metric system.
When people use 'douze', they are often referring to specific groupings that are culturally significant. For instance, the concept of a 'dozen' is expressed in French as 'une douzaine'. While 'douze' is the precise count, 'une douzaine' is used more frequently in markets and casual conversation to denote an approximate or collective group of twelve items.

J'ai acheté douze œufs pour faire une grande omelette pour toute la famille.

Beyond simple counting, 'douze' is the cornerstone of the French 24-hour clock system, although in casual speech, the 12-hour cycle is often used. When a Frenchman says 'il est douze heures', they are precisely identifying noon or midnight, though 'midi' and 'minuit' are the preferred terms. In professional contexts, 'douze' might refer to the 12th month (December) or the 12th arrondissement of Paris, a vibrant district known for the Promenade Plantée. The word is ubiquitous in retail, where prices often end in 'douze' or quantities are sold in batches of twelve.
Temporal Context
There are douze months in the Gregorian calendar, and the number twelve marks the transition from morning to afternoon. In French culture, the 'douze coups de minuit' (twelve strokes of midnight) is a poetic and common way to refer to the arrival of a new day or the end of an event.

Elle a fêté ses douze ans avec une fête magnifique dans le jardin.

In education, French children learn 'douze' early as part of their 'table de multiplication'. The number twelve is also significant in the European Union, where the flag features douze gold stars. This symbolism represents unity and perfection, rather than the number of member states.
Collective Usage
The term 'douzaine' is a noun derived from 'douze'. You will hear 'une douzaine d'huîtres' (a dozen oysters) at almost any French seafood restaurant, as oysters are traditionally served in multiples of six or twelve.

Le train part à douze heures précises du quai numéro quatre.

Il y a douze apôtres dans la tradition chrétienne, un chiffre très symbolique en France.

Finally, 'douze' is often used in literature and sports. In football, the 'douzième homme' (twelfth man) refers to the fans whose support is as vital as an extra player on the field. This deep integration into various spheres of life makes 'douze' a word that learners will encounter daily, from the moment they wake up and check the time until they count their change at a boulangerie.
Using douze correctly in French involves understanding its role as a cardinal numeral and its interaction with nouns, adjectives, and verbs. As an invariable number, 'douze' does not change its form regardless of the gender of the noun it precedes. For example, 'douze garçons' (twelve boys) and 'douze filles' (twelve girls) both use the exact same spelling and pronunciation of 'douze'. This makes it one of the more straightforward elements of French grammar for English speakers to master.
Quantifying Nouns
When 'douze' is used to count objects, it is placed directly before the noun. If an adjective is also present, 'douze' usually precedes the adjective-noun pair, such as in 'douze grandes bouteilles' (twelve large bottles).
In the context of age, 'douze' is used with the verb 'avoir' (to have). In English, we say 'I am twelve', but in French, you must say 'J'ai douze ans'. Failing to use 'avoir' is a common mistake for beginners.

Mon petit frère a enfin douze ans, il est maintenant au collège.

When discussing dates, 'douze' can refer to the day of the month. Unlike English, which uses ordinal numbers (the twelfth), French uses the cardinal number for all days of the month except the first. So, 'le douze mai' is 'the twelfth of May'.
Time and Schedules
In formal schedules, such as train or plane departures, 'douze heures' is used to indicate 12:00 PM. However, if you are meeting a friend, you would more likely say 'à midi'. If you say 'douze heures trente', you are referring to 12:30 PM.

Le rendez-vous est fixé à douze heures pile devant la mairie.

In mathematical expressions, 'douze' is used just like in English. 'Six plus six font douze' (Six plus six make twelve). It is also used in fractions: 'un douzième' (one twelfth).
Addresses and Locations
When giving an address, 'douze' comes before the street name. 'J'habite au douze, rue de la Paix'. Similarly, for bus or metro lines: 'Prenez le bus douze pour aller au Louvre'.

Veuillez tourner à gauche après avoir passé douze maisons sur cette route.

Il y a douze mois dans une année, et chaque mois a son propre charme.

Nous avons commandé douze chaises pour la nouvelle salle de conférence.

Mastery of 'douze' in sentences requires practice with different noun categories, from concrete objects like 'douze pommes' to abstract concepts like 'douze raisons'. By focusing on its placement and its pronunciation in liaison, learners can quickly sound more natural and precise in their French communication.
In the daily life of a French speaker, the word douze is a constant auditory presence. You will hear it most frequently in commercial transactions, public announcements, and social interactions involving time or age. At a local 'marché' (market), the air is filled with vendors shouting prices and quantities. You might hear a 'poissonnier' (fishmonger) telling a customer, 'Cela fera douze euros, s'il vous plaît.' This transactional use is perhaps the most common way the word is heard.
Public Transportation
In the Paris Métro or on SNCF trains, automated announcements frequently use 'douze'. For example, 'Le train en direction de Lyon partira à douze heures quarante-cinq'. In Paris, Line 12 (la ligne douze) is a major artery connecting the north and south of the city.
In social settings, 'douze' is heard during birthday celebrations. When a child turns twelve, they transition into their 'pré-adolescence', a significant milestone in French family life. You'll hear parents proudly saying, 'Mon fils a douze ans aujourd'hui.'

Attention, le bus numéro douze arrive à l'arrêt dans deux minutes.

Radio and television news also use 'douze' extensively, particularly when reporting statistics or temperatures. 'Il fera douze degrés à Strasbourg cet après-midi' is a standard weather report sentence.
Cultural References
In literature and film, 'douze' appears in titles like 'Les Douze Salopards' (The Dirty Dozen). You will also hear it in historical contexts, such as 'Louis XII' (Louis Douze), referring to the King of France known as the 'Father of the People'.

Le score final du match est de douze à zéro, une victoire écrasante !

In the workplace, 'douze' is heard in meetings regarding deadlines or project phases. 'Nous avons douze semaines pour terminer ce projet' (We have twelve weeks to finish this project). It is also the number of people on a French jury ('les douze jurés'), reflecting the legal structure.
Gastronomy
In a 'boulangerie', you might hear a customer ask for 'douze chouquettes' for a morning office snack. The word is synonymous with sharing and communal eating in French food culture.

Il y a douze bouteilles de vin dans chaque caisse que nous avons reçue.

La cloche de l'église a sonné douze fois, annonçant le milieu de la journée.

Nous sommes douze personnes à table ce soir pour le réveillon.

Hearing 'douze' in these varied contexts helps the learner associate the sound with its many practical applications, reinforcing the word's importance beyond a mere vocabulary list.
Despite its simplicity, the word douze presents several pitfalls for English speakers and beginning French learners. The most frequent errors involve pronunciation, confusion with similar-sounding words, and grammatical misapplications in specific contexts like age or time.
Pronunciation Pitfalls
The most common pronunciation mistake is confusing 'douze' with 'deux' (two). While 'deux' has a closed, rounded 'eu' sound and a silent 'x', 'douze' has an open 'ou' sound (like 'moon') and a very clear, voiced 'z' sound at the end. Another error is pronouncing it like 'douce' (sweet), which uses an unvoiced 's' sound. Mixing these up can lead to confusing 'twelve' with 'two' or 'sweet'.
In grammar, learners often struggle with the 'avoir' vs. 'être' distinction when expressing age. Because English says 'I am twelve', students often say 'Je suis douze', which is incorrect. In French, you 'possess' your years: 'J'ai douze ans'.

Faux: Je suis douze. Vrai: J'ai douze ans.

Another common mistake occurs when using 'douze' in the 24-hour time system. Beginners might say 'douze heures' for midnight, but in the 24-hour clock used in France for schedules, midnight is 'zéro heure'. 'Douze heures' is strictly for noon.
Liaison and Flow
Learners often forget to pronounce the 'z' when 'douze' is followed by a consonant, or they over-emphasize it. The 'z' is always there, but it should flow naturally into the next word. In 'douze livres', the 'z' is short and crisp.

Erreur: Il est douze heures du soir. Correction: Il est minuit.

Confusion also arises between 'douze' (the number) and 'douzième' (the rank). English speakers might say 'le douze chapitre' instead of 'le douzième chapitre' (the twelfth chapter). Cardinal numbers are only used for the days of the month (except the 1st) and for kings' names in certain historical contexts, but generally, 'douzième' is required for ranking.
Spelling Errors
English speakers often try to spell it 'duze' or 'douse' based on phonetics. It is crucial to remember the 'ou' and the 'ze' ending, which is standard for French numbers like onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, and seize.

Ne confondez pas douze avec 'douse' qui n'existe pas en français.

Il a payé douze mille euros, pas deux mille euros !

Elle a douze chats, ce qui est beaucoup plus que deux chats.

By being aware of these common mistakes, learners can avoid the most frequent errors in pronunciation and usage, leading to more accurate and confident French.
While douze is the standard way to say 'twelve', there are several related words and alternatives that change the nuance or the grammatical function of the number. Understanding these variations allows for more precise expression in French.
Une Douzaine vs. Douze
The noun 'une douzaine' is the most common alternative. While 'douze' is a precise count, 'une douzaine' often implies 'about twelve' or acts as a collective unit. You use 'douze' as an adjective ('douze œufs') but 'douzaine' as a noun followed by 'de' ('une douzaine d'œufs').
Another important variation is the ordinal number 'douzième'. This is used to indicate rank or order. For example, 'le douzième siècle' (the twelfth century) or 'la douzième place' (the twelfth place).

Il est arrivé à la douzième position lors de la course cycliste.

In terms of time, 'midi' and 'minuit' are the essential alternatives. Instead of saying 'il est douze heures', you should say 'il est midi' (noon) or 'il est minuit' (midnight). Using 'douze heures' is generally reserved for technical or formal schedules.
Comparison with 'Dix-deux'
Unlike 'dix-sept' (17) or 'dix-huit' (18), which are compound numbers (10+7, 10+8), 'douze' is a unique, single-word number. There is no such word as 'dix-deux'. This is a common logical error for very early learners.

Nous avons acheté une douzaine de roses pour la fête des mères.

For very large numbers, 'douze' is used as a component: 'douze mille' (12,000), 'douze millions' (12,000,000). In these cases, 'douze' remains the same, but the noun it modifies (mille, million) follows its own rules.
Approximate Alternatives
If you don't mean exactly twelve, you might use 'une dizaine' (about ten) or 'une quinzaine' (about fifteen). These are very common in French for giving rough estimates of quantity or time.

Le douzième arrondissement de Paris est très calme et résidentiel.

Il y a douze signes du zodiaque dans l'astrologie occidentale.

Chaque équipe de basket-ball a douze joueurs inscrits sur la feuille de match.

Understanding these synonyms and alternatives allows you to navigate French counting with the same nuance as a native speaker, moving from simple digits to complex descriptions of rank, quantity, and time.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The base-12 system (duodecimal) was actually used by ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and is why we have 12 hours on a clock and 12 months in a year. The word 'douze' carries this ancient mathematical legacy into modern French.

발음 가이드

UK /duːz/
US /duz/
The stress is equal on the single syllable, but ensures the 'z' is audible.
라임이 맞는 단어
blouse ouse (rare) pelouse ventouse jalouse andalouse pampelouse clouse
자주 하는 실수
  • Confusing with 'deux' (two), which has a rounded 'eu' sound and no 'z'.
  • Pronouncing it like 'douce' (sweet), which has an unvoiced 's' sound.
  • Silent 'z' - some learners forget to voice the final consonant.
  • Nasalizing the 'ou' - it should be a pure oral vowel.
  • Adding an 'e' sound at the end (dou-zeu) which is only done for emphasis or in some southern accents.

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it looks like the start of 'dozen'.

쓰기 2/5

The 'ou' and 'ze' spelling must be memorized.

말하기 2/5

Must distinguish 'z' from 's' and 'eu' from 'ou'.

듣기 2/5

Can be confused with 'deux' in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

un deux onze dix ans

다음에 배울 것

treize douzaine midi vingt douzième

고급

duodécimal alexandrin arrondissement apôtre

알아야 할 문법

Invariability of numbers

Douze garçons, douze filles (no change).

Liaison with 'z'

Douze ans (pronounced dou-zan).

Using cardinal for dates

Le douze mars (not le douzième mars).

Avoir for age

J'ai douze ans (not Je suis douze).

Cardinal for Kings

Louis XII (Louis Douze).

수준별 예문

1

J'ai douze ans.

I am twelve years old.

Uses 'avoir' for age.

2

Il y a douze pommes.

There are twelve apples.

Cardinal number before the noun.

3

Le bus numéro douze arrive.

Bus number twelve is arriving.

Number used as an identifier.

4

Ça coûte douze euros.

It costs twelve euros.

Currency follows the number.

5

Il est douze heures.

It is twelve o'clock (noon).

Standard way to say 12:00 PM.

6

J'ai douze amis.

I have twelve friends.

Invariable number.

7

Voici douze fleurs.

Here are twelve flowers.

Plural noun follows 'douze'.

8

Page douze, s'il vous plaît.

Page twelve, please.

Ordinal use of a cardinal number.

1

Je voudrais douze œufs.

I would like twelve eggs.

Polite request with 'vouloir' in conditional.

2

Le rendez-vous est le douze juin.

The appointment is on June 12th.

Cardinal number for dates.

3

Il travaille douze heures par jour.

He works twelve hours a day.

Duration of time.

4

Nous sommes douze dans la classe.

There are twelve of us in the class.

Using 'être' to define a group size.

5

Elle a acheté douze bouteilles d'eau.

She bought twelve bottles of water.

Quantity in a past tense sentence.

6

Le train part à douze heures trente.

The train leaves at twelve thirty.

Time in a 24-hour format.

7

Mon appartement est au numéro douze.

My apartment is at number twelve.

Address identification.

8

Il y a douze mois dans l'année.

There are twelve months in the year.

General factual statement.

1

Il a fallu douze tentatives pour réussir.

It took twelve attempts to succeed.

Using 'falloir' with a quantity.

2

Le projet durera douze semaines environ.

The project will last about twelve weeks.

Future tense with duration.

3

Elle a invité douze collègues à dîner.

She invited twelve colleagues to dinner.

Direct object with quantity.

4

Nous avons marché pendant douze kilomètres.

We walked for twelve kilometers.

Distance measurement.

5

Le livre est divisé en douze chapitres.

The book is divided into twelve chapters.

Passive voice with quantity.

6

Il a gagné douze mille euros au loto.

He won twelve thousand euros in the lottery.

Large numbers using 'douze'.

7

Le bébé dort douze heures par nuit.

The baby sleeps twelve hours a night.

Habitual action with time.

8

Douze personnes ont témoigné au procès.

Twelve people testified at the trial.

Subject of a sentence.

1

Les douze travaux d'Hercule sont célèbres.

The twelve labors of Hercules are famous.

Cultural/Mythological reference.

2

Le douzième homme a soutenu l'équipe.

The twelfth man supported the team.

Idiomatic use for sports fans.

3

Il est midi, les douze coups sonnent.

It is noon, the twelve strokes are ringing.

Poetic/Descriptive use of time.

4

L'article douze de la loi est très clair.

Article twelve of the law is very clear.

Legal/Formal context.

5

Elle a une douzaine de raisons de partir.

She has a dozen reasons to leave.

Abstract use of 'douzaine'.

6

Le drapeau européen possède douze étoiles.

The European flag has twelve stars.

Symbolic use of the number.

7

Il a fallu douze ans pour construire ce pont.

It took twelve years to build this bridge.

Long-term duration.

8

Le jury est composé de douze citoyens.

The jury is composed of twelve citizens.

Institutional context.

1

L'alexandrin est un vers de douze syllabes.

The alexandrine is a verse of twelve syllables.

Literary/Technical context.

2

Le règne de Louis XII marqua l'histoire.

The reign of Louis XII marked history.

Historical reference with Roman numerals.

3

Il y a douze demi-tons dans une octave.

There are twelve semitones in an octave.

Music theory context.

4

Le douzième arrondissement est très vert.

The 12th arrondissement is very green.

Geographic/Administrative context.

5

Douze apôtres entourent le Christ à la Cène.

Twelve apostles surround Christ at the Last Supper.

Artistic/Religious reference.

6

Le système duodécimal utilise la base douze.

The duodecimal system uses base twelve.

Scientific/Mathematical context.

7

Les douze signes zodiacaux divisent l'année.

The twelve zodiac signs divide the year.

Astrological context.

8

Elle a écrit douze essais sur la liberté.

She wrote twelve essays on freedom.

Academic/Literary production.

1

La symbolique du chiffre douze est universelle.

The symbolism of the number twelve is universal.

Philosophical discussion.

2

Douze est un nombre hautement composé.

Twelve is a highly composite number.

Advanced mathematical terminology.

3

L'influence de la base douze persiste encore.

The influence of base twelve still persists.

Historical/Sociological analysis.

4

Il a analysé les douze chants de l'épopée.

He analyzed the twelve cantos of the epic.

High-level literary analysis.

5

Les douze coups de minuit résonnent en nous.

The twelve strokes of midnight resonate within us.

Metaphorical/Poetic expression.

6

Le douzième homme est l'âme du stade.

The twelfth man is the soul of the stadium.

Deep idiomatic mastery.

7

Douze jurés doivent décider de son sort.

Twelve jurors must decide his fate.

Complex legal/ethical context.

8

Il a parcouru douze fois le tour du monde.

He has traveled around the world twelve times.

Hyperbolic or literal emphasis.

자주 쓰는 조합

douze mois
douze heures
douze ans
douze euros
douze personnes
douze apôtres
douze œufs
ligne douze
douze signes
douze travaux

자주 쓰는 구문

À midi pile

— Exactly at twelve o'clock noon. Used for punctuality.

Le déjeuner est servi à midi pile.

Les douze coups de minuit

— The twelve strokes of midnight. Often used in fairy tales or poetic descriptions.

Cendrillon doit partir avant les douze coups de minuit.

Une douzaine d'huîtres

— A dozen oysters. A standard order in French seafood restaurants.

Je vais prendre une douzaine d'huîtres, s'il vous plaît.

Le douzième homme

— The fans of a sports team. They are considered the 'extra' player.

Le public était vraiment le douzième homme ce soir.

Douze mois de l'année

— The twelve months of the year. Used in educational or descriptive contexts.

Apprenons les douze mois de l'année.

Il est midi

— It is noon. The most common way to say 12:00 PM.

Il est midi, allons manger.

Il est minuit

— It is midnight. The most common way to say 12:00 AM.

Il est minuit, il est temps de dormir.

Douze sur vingt

— A grade of 12 out of 20. A passing grade in the French school system.

Il a eu douze sur vingt à son examen.

Les douze tribus

— The twelve tribes (usually of Israel). A historical and religious reference.

L'histoire des douze tribus est ancienne.

En douze exemplaires

— In twelve copies. Used in administrative or legal contexts.

Veuillez remplir ce formulaire en douze exemplaires.

자주 혼동되는 단어

douze vs deux

Means 'two'. Different vowel sound and no 'z' sound.

douze vs douce

Means 'sweet' or 'soft'. Ends with an 's' sound instead of 'z'.

douze vs douzième

Means 'twelfth'. Used for rank, not quantity.

관용어 및 표현

"Les douze travaux d'Hercule"

— A series of very difficult tasks. Used metaphorically for any hard work.

Nettoyer cette maison, c'est les douze travaux d'Hercule !

literary
"À midi sonnant"

— Right at noon. Emphasizes the exact moment the clock rings.

Il est arrivé à midi sonnant.

neutral
"Douze balles dans la peau"

— To be shot many times. A gritty expression found in crime novels.

Il a fini avec douze balles dans la peau.

slang
"Le douzième homme"

— The collective support of fans in a stadium.

Grâce au douzième homme, l'équipe a gagné.

informal
"Chercher midi à quatorze heures"

— To make something more complicated than it is. (Uses 12/14 context).

Ne cherche pas midi à quatorze heures, c'est simple !

informal
"Les douze coups"

— The sound of the clock at midnight or noon.

On a fêté le Nouvel An aux douze coups.

neutral
"Douze de moyenne"

— Having an average grade of 12/20. Indicates a decent but not excellent student.

Il a douze de moyenne cette année.

neutral
"Un de ces douze"

— One of these days (rare/dialectal variation of 'un de ces quatre').

On se verra un de ces douze.

informal
"Les douze jours de Noël"

— The traditional festive period from Dec 25 to Jan 6.

Nous célébrons les douze jours de Noël.

neutral
"Douze mois sur douze"

— All year round; constantly.

Ce magasin est ouvert douze mois sur douze.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

douze vs deux

Similar looking and sounding to beginners.

Deux is 2, Douze is 12. Vowel sounds are different (eu vs ou).

J'ai deux chats et douze chiens.

douze vs douce

Final consonant sound is similar.

Douce is 'sweet' (f) with an 's' sound. Douze is 'twelve' with a 'z' sound.

Une musique douce pour douze personnes.

douze vs douzaine

Both refer to twelve.

Douze is an adjective (quantity). Douzaine is a noun (group).

Douze œufs font une douzaine.

douze vs onze

Sequential numbers.

Onze is 11, Douze is 12.

Onze, douze, treize...

douze vs dix

Both are base numbers.

Dix is 10, Douze is 12.

Dix plus deux font douze.

문장 패턴

A1

J'ai [nombre] ans.

J'ai douze ans.

A1

Il y a [nombre] [objet]s.

Il y a douze pommes.

A2

Je voudrais une douzaine de [objet]s.

Je voudrais une douzaine d'œufs.

A2

Le rendez-vous est le [nombre] [mois].

Le rendez-vous est le douze mai.

B1

Cela fait [nombre] [unité] que...

Cela fait douze ans que j'habite ici.

B1

Il est divisé en [nombre] parties.

Il est divisé en douze parties.

B2

Les [nombre] [nom] de [personnage].

Les douze travaux d'Hercule.

B2

Il est [temps] sonnant.

Il est douze heures sonnant.

어휘 가족

명사

douzaine (dozen)
douzième (twelfth part)

동사

douzainer (to group by dozens - rare/archaic)

형용사

douzième (twelfth)

관련

onze (eleven)
treize (thirteen)
midi (noon)
minuit (midnight)
duodécimal (duodecimal)

사용법

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life.

자주 하는 실수
  • Je suis douze ans. J'ai douze ans.

    French uses the verb 'avoir' (to have) to express age, not 'être' (to be).

  • Il est douze heures du soir. Il est minuit.

    While 'douze heures' is used for noon, 'minuit' is the correct term for 12:00 AM.

  • J'ai acheté douzes pommes. J'ai acheté douze pommes.

    The number 'douze' is invariable and never takes an 's'.

  • Le douzième de mai. Le douze mai.

    In French dates, cardinal numbers (douze) are used instead of ordinals (douzième).

  • Pronouncing 'douze' like 'deux'. Douze (oo sound + z).

    Confusion between 2 and 12 is common due to similar vowel sounds for beginners.

Buzz like a bee

To get the 'z' in 'douze' right, imagine a bee buzzing. It must be a voiced sound, unlike the 's' in 'house'.

Age with Avoir

Always use 'avoir' for age. 'J'ai douze ans' literally means 'I have twelve years'.

Market Math

When shopping, look for 'douzaine'. It's more common for food items than just saying 'douze'.

The EU Flag

Remember the 12 stars on the EU flag symbolize unity, a good way to link 'douze' to European identity.

Noon vs Twelve

In conversation, use 'midi'. Save 'douze heures' for reading train schedules or being very technical.

No 's' Needed

Numbers like 'douze' are invariable. Don't let plural nouns trick you into adding an 's' to the number.

Listen for the 'Ou'

The 'ou' sound is deep. If it sounds higher and more rounded, it might be 'deux' (2).

Liaison Practice

Practice saying 'douze ans' as one word: 'dou-zan'. This makes you sound more like a native.

Base 12

Think of how many things come in 12s (months, hours, inches) to remember the importance of 'douze'.

Flashcard Tip

Put a picture of a clock at 12:00 on one side and 'douze' on the other.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'DOO-Z'. It sounds like the 'doz' in 'dozen'. A 'dozen' is 'douze'!

시각적 연상

Imagine a clock face. The most important number at the top is 12. Visualize the word 'DOUZE' written in bright neon over the 12.

Word Web

midi minuit douzaine onze treize 12 mois œufs

챌린지

Try to find twelve things in your room right now and count them aloud in French: un, deux, trois... jusqu'à douze !

어원

Derived from the Old French 'doze', which comes from the Latin 'duodecim'. This Latin term is a compound of 'duo' (two) and 'decem' (ten).

원래 의미: Literally 'two-ten' or twelve.

Romance (Indo-European)

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities; 'douze' is a neutral numerical term.

English speakers are familiar with 'dozen', making 'douze' easier to remember than other French numbers.

Les Douze Travaux d'Astérix (animated film) Louis XII (French King) Ligne 12 du métro de Paris

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At the market

  • Une douzaine d'œufs
  • Douze euros le kilo
  • Donnez-moi douze pommes
  • Douze huîtres fraîches

Telling time

  • Il est douze heures
  • À midi pile
  • Douze heures et quart
  • Minuit moins douze

Birthdays

  • Joyeux douze ans !
  • Elle fête ses douze ans
  • Douze bougies sur le gâteau
  • Bientôt douze ans

Transportation

  • Quai numéro douze
  • Le bus douze
  • Ligne douze du métro
  • Départ à douze heures

School/Math

  • Six et six font douze
  • La page douze
  • Douze sur vingt
  • Table de douze

대화 시작하기

"Saviez-vous qu'il y a douze mois dans l'année ?"

"À quelle heure manges-tu ? À douze heures ?"

"Est-ce que tu habites au numéro douze ?"

"Combien font six plus six en français ?"

"Aimes-tu manger une douzaine d'huîtres ?"

일기 주제

Écrivez une liste de douze choses que vous aimez faire le week-end.

Décrivez ce que vous faisiez quand vous aviez douze ans.

Imaginez que vous avez douze heures pour visiter Paris. Où iriez-vous ?

Pourquoi le chiffre douze est-il important dans votre culture ?

Faites une liste de douze mots français que vous avez appris aujourd'hui.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'douze' is an invariable number. Whether you are talking about twelve apples or twelve thousand euros, it is always spelled 'douze'. This is a rule for most French cardinal numbers except for 'vingt' and 'cent' in specific cases.

To say '12th', you use the ordinal number 'douzième'. For example, 'le douzième étage' (the 12th floor). The only exception is for dates, where you use 'le douze' (the 12th of the month).

Numbers themselves are masculine when used as nouns (e.g., 'Le douze est mon chiffre préféré'). When used as an adjective, 'douze' is invariable and doesn't change based on the gender of the noun it describes.

While technically correct in a 12-hour cycle, in France, midnight is almost always called 'minuit' or 'zéro heure' in formal schedules. 'Douze heures' is typically understood as noon.

'Douze' is the number 12 used as an adjective (douze œufs). 'Une douzaine' is a noun meaning 'a dozen' (une douzaine d'œufs). Use 'douzaine' when you want to speak about the group or an approximate amount.

Pronounce it like 'dooz'. The 'ou' is like the 'oo' in 'moon', and the 'ze' is a voiced 'z' sound like in 'zebra'. Do not let it sound like an 's'.

In French, all days of the month except the first ('le premier') use cardinal numbers. So we say 'le deux', 'le trois', and 'le douze' instead of 'the second', 'the third', or 'the twelfth'.

Yes, French schools grade out of 20. A 'douze sur vingt' (12/20) is a common grade, representing about 60%, which is a solid passing mark.

This refers to 'Les douze travaux d'Hercule' (The Twelve Labors of Hercules) from Greek mythology, a very common cultural reference in France for difficult tasks.

You can say 'douze heures trente' (formal) or 'midi et demi' (casual, for 12:30 PM) or 'minuit et demi' (casual, for 12:30 AM).

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Translate: I have twelve books.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: It is noon.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Twelve eggs, please.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: He is twelve years old.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: June 12th.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: A dozen roses.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: The 12th floor.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Twelve plus eight is twenty.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: The bus number 12.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Page twelve.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Twelve months.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: It is midnight.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Twelve thousand.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: The twelve labors.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: I am at number 12.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Twelve people.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: Twelve euros.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: He arrived at noon.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: One dozen oysters.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: The twelfth century.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce aloud: douze

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I am twelve years old' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'It is noon' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Count from 10 to 13 in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve apples' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'A dozen eggs' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The bus number twelve' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve euros' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'June 12th' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'It is midnight' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve people' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The 12th floor' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve thousand' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve times' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Six plus six is twelve' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Page twelve' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The twelve labors' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Exactly at noon' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve months' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Twelve stars' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the number you hear: 'douze'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the number: 'Il a douze ans.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the time: 'Il est midi.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the quantity: 'douze pommes'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'une douzaine'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the number: 'page douze'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the date: 'le douze mars'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the amount: 'douze euros'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the rank: 'le douzième'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the time: 'douze heures trente'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'douze mille'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'les douze apôtres'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the age: 'Elle a douze ans.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'douze fois'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'douze minutes'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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