Learn French: J'ai dix-huit euros pour le déjeuner.

In French, the numbers 17, 18, and 19 are made by doing a little math: 10 + 7, 10 + 8, and 10 + 9. So, dix-huit is literally dix (10) followed by huit (8), joined by a hyphen. This composition pattern will help you build larger numbers up to 100!

Do I pronounce the 'x' in dix-huit?

Yes, but it changes its sound! Normally, the 'x' in dix sounds like an 's'. But because huit starts with a silent 'h', the 'x' links to the vowel sound and makes a 'z' sound. It sounds like dee-zweet.

Is there a linking sound between dix-huit and euros?

Yes. The word euros starts with a vowel sound, so the final 't' in dix-huit links to it. You will hear the 't' connect to the beginning of euros. Also remember that the 's' at the end of euros indicates plural but stays completely silent.

Why is it J'ai instead of Je ai?

Je (I) drops its 'e' and gets an apostrophe when the next word starts with a vowel, like the verb ai (have). This makes it flow smoothly as one syllable: J'ai.

Does déjeuner always mean lunch?