French uses trois for the number three. The word appears in counting, ages, quantities, and time, and its final written s is usually silent.
3 (three) in French = trois, pronounced approximately trwah.
How Do You Say 3 (three) in French?
The standard French cardinal number for 3 is trois. Its spelling is the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine.
Meaning: three
Put trois before a plural noun, or use it on its own when the context is clear. The number word normally sounds the same in isolation even though a liaison can link its final consonant before a vowel.
Different Ways to Express 3 (three)
The cardinal number, ordinal, time expression, and “three times” phrase each serve a different purpose. Practice trois within the full French 1-to-10 sequence.
1. Trois — the cardinal number
trois — three. The final s is generally silent when the word stands alone or precedes a consonant.
2. Troisième — third
troisième — third. Use troisième for ordinal position. It does not change spelling for masculine and feminine nouns.
3. Trois heures — three o’clock / three hours
trois heures — three o’clock or three hours. Context tells whether this names the time or a duration. In the phrase, the final s of trois can link to the vowel in heures.
4. Trois fois — three times
trois fois — three times. This common expression describes how often an action happens.
3 (three) in French: Quick Comparison
Use this comparison to choose the form that best fits your sentence. Pay attention to whether you are counting, describing a quality, or referring to a particular situation.
| French | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| trois | three | Counting and quantities |
| troisième | third | Order and dates |
| trois heures | three o’clock or three hours | Time and duration |
| trois fois | three times | Frequency |
How to Pronounce trois
In standard French, trois is approximately “trwah,” one syllable. The final s is silent in isolation. Before a vowel sound, liaison may pronounce it as /z/, as in trois heures or trois amis.
Example Sentences Using 3 (three)
Read each example aloud and notice how the surrounding words give the phrase its exact meaning. The English translation is natural rather than a strict word-for-word rendering.
Meaning: I have three books.
Use: A quantity before a plural noun.
Meaning: It is three o’clock.
Use: The linking sound can connect trois and heures.
Meaning: I read it three times.
Use: Trois fois expresses repetition.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 (three) in French
Tap a question below to see the answer.
Is the s pronounced in trois?
It is usually silent when trois stands alone or comes before a consonant.
How do I say third in French?
The ordinal is troisième, used for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do I say three o’clock?
Say Il est trois heures (“It is three o’clock”).
Why can trois sound like “trwaz” before a vowel?
French liaison can voice its final s as /z/ before a following vowel sound, as in trois amis.
How do I say three times?
Use trois fois.
Summary: 3 (three) in French
Use trois for the cardinal number three, troisième for third, and trois fois for three times. Its final s is usually silent, but liaison can make a /z/ sound before a vowel.
