Question 1

Wait, doesn't neuf mean "new"?

Accepted Answer

It means both! Neuf is the number nine, but it is also an adjective meaning "brand new" for masculine nouns. Context tells you which one it is. Since it is paired with huit (eight) and comes right before a noun, it means "nine" here.

Question 2

Do I pronounce the final letters in the numbers huit and neuf?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but it depends on the next word! The t in huit is pronounced here because the next word (ou) starts with a vowel. For neuf, the f is often dropped when followed directly by a consonant like in cadeaux, though some speakers still pronounce it slightly.

Question 3

Why does cadeaux end with an x instead of an s to make it plural?

Accepted Answer

Most French words take an s to become plural, just like in English. However, nouns that end in -eau (like un cadeau, a gift) are an exception. They add an x instead to become plural (des cadeaux). Remember that this final x is completely silent!

Question 4

Can I just ask "Votre frère a huit ou neuf cadeaux ?" without Est-ce que?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In everyday spoken French, you can just use the regular statement and raise the pitch of your voice at the end to make it a question. Adding Est-ce que at the beginning is simply the standard, slightly more structured way to ask a yes-or-no question.

Question 5

Is the word ou (or) related to où (where)?

Accepted Answer

They are pronounced exactly the same, but they have completely different meanings. Ou without an accent means "or", while où with a grave accent over the u means "where".

Est-ce que votre frère a huit ou neuf cadeaux ?

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