When compared to other languages, learning French grammar as a native English speaker is relatively simple. The rules are straightforward and make logical sense, but that doesn't mean becoming fluent is easy. Building accurate sentences in French that reflect your intent still requires a lot of practice and application. With that being said, French grammar rules aren't nearly as hard as learning Russian grammar or trying to navigate the Japanese alphabet. To help you get started, we've put together a comprehensive guide to French grammar and how to apply it in everyday conversations.

<h2>Grammatical Similarities Between French and English</h2>

French grammar has a lot of similarities to English grammar, making it easier for native English speakers to master the basics of the French language quickly. The two languages have the same parts of speech and similar sentence structure, but there are also several differences. Luckily, you won't have to worry about word order as much as German or Mandarin. 

Like other languages, French conjugation of verbs is much different than in English and can initially intimidate learners. French is also a gendered language, meaning nouns are masculine or feminine and require corresponding articles. More on that later!

<h2>8 Tips to Help You Learn French Grammar</h2>

Creating a solid foundation is essential to help you master French grammar rules and put them to use. To help you get started, we've put together a few of the most important building blocks French learners need to know. 

<h3>1. Master Gendered and Numbered French Nouns</h3>

French nouns can be concrete, abstract, proper, or common, just like in English. Proper nouns will need to be capitalized (e.g., Paris) and often don't have an article attached to them. However, regardless of the type of noun, each one has a gender: masculine and feminine. This gender assignment impacts the articles (definite and indefinite) and adjectives associated with the noun.

For example, the word for "table" is feminine (la table), while the word for "book" is masculine (le livre). The definite articles "le" and "la" correspond to masculine and feminine nouns, respectively, while the indefinite articles "un" and "une" follow the same gender pattern.

There are some word endings that can help you determine which gender something is, but the best way to ensure you're mastering French words is to build your vocabulary and memorize them. 

Some common masculine French nouns include: 
- Le livre (the book)
- Le chat (the cat)
- Le chien (the dog)
- Le vélo (the bicycle)
- Le garçon (the boy)
- Le homme (the man)
- Le père (the father)
- Le frère (the brother)
- Le fils (the son)
- Le ami (the friend)

Some common feminine French nouns include:
- La table (the table)
- La chaise (the chair)
- La fille (the girl)
- La femme (the woman)
- La mère (the mother)
- La sœur (the sister)
- La voiture (the car)
- La maison (the house)
- La fenêtre (the window)
- La porte (the door)

French nouns also have singular and plural forms. Pluralization often involves adding specific endings to the noun, and this change in number also affects the associated articles. For example, "le livre" (the book, singular) becomes "les livres" (the books, plural) with the plural definite article "les." Similarly, "un livre" (a book, singular) becomes "des livres" (some books, plural) with the plural indefinite article "des."

<h3>2. Understand French Adjectives and Articles Must Agree with the Noun</h3>

Adjectives, articles, and other modifiers must agree in gender and number with their accompanying nouns. So, you can see how important knowing the gender and number of nouns is when putting together French sentences. If you want to put your knowledge to the test and start having real conversations, download [Tandem](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) and match with a native French speaker.

Until then, consider this example of French noun agreement. If describing a feminine noun such as "la table" (the table), any adjectives used to describe it must also be in the feminine form, such as "la grande table" (the big table). Similarly, when referring to multiple tables (les tables), the definite article and any accompanying adjectives must be plural.

There are also some rules for [French possessive adjectives](https://www.tandem.net/blog/possessive-adjectives-french) and [French demonstrative adjectives](https://www.tandem.net/blog/demonstrative-adjectives-french) you should familiarize yourself with.

<h3>3. Perfect Your Sentence Structure</h3>

In French and English, the basic word order in declarative sentences follows the subject-verb-object (SVO) pattern. This means that the subject performs the action expressed by the verb, and the object receives the action. For example:

- French: Marie lit un livre.
- English: Marie reads a book.

However, there are some minor differences between the two. 

In French, adjectives generally follow the noun they modify, whereas adjectives typically precede the noun in English. For example:

- French: La maison blanche. 
- English: The white house.

There are also differences in creating negative sentences. In French, the word "ne" precedes the conjugated verb, and "pas" (or other negative words) follows it to form a negative sentence. In English, "not" is usually placed after the verb. For example:

- French: Je ne parle pas français. 
- English: I do not speak French.

<h3>4. But Embrace the Flexibility</h3>

While French typically follows a subject-verb-object word order, it's not as strict as English. It's quite common to rearrange elements of French grammar for stylistic or rhetorical purposes. This allows you to create unique responses and expressions for specific contexts or when you want to emphasize something.

Additionally, French employs a variety of sentence connectors, such as conjunctions and adverbs, which can alter the order of clauses or phrases within a sentence. Some examples of how you can change a sentence are as follows:

__Original__: Il travaille souvent tard. (He often works late.) 
- __Altered__: Souvent, il travaille tard. (Often, he works late.) 
- __Altered__:  Il travaille tard souvent. (He works late often.)

__Original__: J'aime beaucoup ce livre. (I really like this book.)
- __Altered__: Ce livre, j'aime beaucoup. (This book, I really like.)

__Original__: Tu vas où ce soir ? (Where are you going tonight?)
- __Altered__: Où vas-tu ce soir ? (Where are you going tonight?)
- __Altered__: Ce soir, tu vas où ? (Tonight, where are you going?)

<h3>5. Discover the Different Types of French Verbs and How They're Used</h3>

There are a few different types of French verbs that you'll need to learn, including regular verbs, irregular verbs, modal verbs, reflexive verbs, impersonal verbs, and auxiliary verbs. 

Regular verbs in French follow predictable conjugation patterns based on their infinitive endings (-er, -ir, -re). These verbs maintain the same root throughout conjugation, changing endings according to tense, mood, and subject. Regular verbs are generally easier to learn because they adhere to consistent rules. For example:

- Elle parle français tous les jours. — She speaks French every day.

Irregular verbs in French do not follow the standard conjugation patterns of regular verbs. Instead, they have unique conjugations that must be memorized individually. Mastery of irregular verbs is essential for fluency in French. For example:

- Nous sommes allés au cinéma hier soir. — We went to the cinema last night.

Modal verbs express possibility, necessity, obligation, or permission. In French, common modal verbs include "pouvoir" (to be able to), "vouloir" (to want to), and "devoir" (to have to/must). Modal verbs are often followed by another verb in the infinitive form to express the action or condition. For example:

- Je peux venir te chercher à dix heures. — I can come pick you up at ten o'clock.

[Reflexive French verbs](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french) indicate that the subject of the sentence performs an action on itself. These verbs are accompanied by reflexive pronouns that agree with the subject. Some examples include "se laver" (to wash oneself), "se lever" (to get up), and "se sentir" (to feel). An example in a sentence is:

- Il se prépare pour son entretien d'embauche. — He is getting ready for his job interview.

 Impersonal verbs are used in the third-person singular form and do not refer to a specific subject. They often express natural phenomena, feelings, or general truths. Common impersonal verbs include "il pleut" (it is raining), "il faut" (it is necessary), and "il est important que" (it is important that). An example used in a sentence is:

- Il faut étudier pour réussir à l'examen. — One must study to pass the exam.

Auxiliary verbs form compound tenses such as the passé composé and the plus-que-parfait. The two main auxiliary verbs in French are "avoir" (to have) and "être" (to be). They are combined with the past participle of the main verb to indicate actions or states that have occurred in the past. An example using "avoir" is as follows:

- Ils ont mangé au restaurant hier soir. — They ate at the restaurant last night.

<h3>6. Learn Proper Verb Conjugation</h3>

French verbs can either be regular (following a specific conjugation pattern) or irregular (following more unique conjugations). The regular verbs in French grammar belong to three main groups: -er verbs, -ir verbs, and -re verbs. Aside from a few exceptions to the rule, all [French verb conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation) with these endings will be as follows.

__For -er verbs like "parler" (to speak):__
- Je parle (I speak)
- Tu parles (You speak)
- Il/elle/on parle (He/she/one speaks)
- Nous parlons (We speak)
- Vous parlez (You speak)
- Ils/elles parlent (They speak)

__For -ir verbs like "finir" (to finish):__
- Je finis (I finish)
- Tu finis (You finish)
- Il/elle/on finit (He/she/one finishes)
- Nous finissons (We finish)
- Vous finissez (You finish)
- Ils/elles finissent (They finish)

__For -re verbs like "vendre" (to sell):__
- Je vends (I sell)
- Tu vends (You sell)
- Il/elle/on vend (He/she/one sells)
- Nous vendons (We sell)
- Vous vendez (You sell)
- Ils/elles vendent (They sell)

<h3>7. Memorize Common Irregular Verbs in French</h3>

Irregular verbs in French grammar don't really follow any specific rules, so you'll need to memorize them. Some of the most common ones include:

[French verb conjugation for "être"](https://www.tandem.net/blog/etre-conjugation-french) (to be):
- Je suis (I am)
- Tu es (You are)
- Il/elle/on est (He/she/one is)
- Nous sommes (We are)
- Vous êtes (You are)
- Ils/elles sont (They are)

French verb conjugation for "avoir" (to have): 
- J'ai (I have)
- Tu as (You have)
- Il/elle/on a (He/she/one has)
- Nous avons (We have)
- Vous avez (You have)
- Ils/elles ont (They have)

[French verb conjugation for "aller"](https://www.tandem.net/blog/aller-conjugation-french) (to go): 
- Je vais (I go)
- Tu vas (You go)
- Il/elle/on va (He/she/one goes)
- Nous allons (We go)
- Vous allez (You go)
- Ils/elles vont (They go)

[French verb conjugation for "faire"](https://www.tandem.net/blog/faire-conjugation-french) (to do/make):
- Je fais (I do/make)
- Tu fais (You do/make)
- Il/elle/on fait (He/she/one does/makes)
- Nous faisons (We do/make)
- Vous faites (You do/make)
- Ils/elles font (They do/make)

<h3>8. Familiarize Yourself with the Different Tenses</h3>

There are a ton of different tenses that can be used in French, but let's start with the three most common in basic French grammar: present tense, past tense, and future tense. 

The present tense describes actions that are currently happening, habitual actions, general truths, or future actions scheduled to occur. It's the most commonly used tense in French. For example:

- Je mange une pomme. — I am eating an apple.
- Il écoute de la musique. — He listens to music.
- Elle regarde la télévision. — She watches television.
- Nous étudions à l'université. — We study at the university.
- Vous travaillez dans un bureau. — You work in an office.
- Ils mangent au restaurant. — They eat at the restaurant.

The past tense describes actions that have already happened. The passé composé is essentially the same as the simple past tense in English. It's used to describe completed actions in the past. See how the examples above change in this tense:

- J'ai mangé une pomme. — I ate an apple.
- Il a écouté de la musique. — He listened to music.
- Elle a regardé la télévision. — She watched television.
- Nous avons étudié à l'université. — We studied at the university.
- Vous avez travaillé dans un bureau. — You worked in an office.
- Ils ont mangé au restaurant. — They ate at the restaurant.

The future tense describes actions that will occur in the future. It is formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive of the verb. See how the sentences and verb conjugation change in the future tense for the examples above: 

- Je mangerai une pomme demain. — I will eat an apple tomorrow.
- Il écoutera de la musique. — He will listen to music.
- Elle regardera la télévision. — She will watch television.
- Nous étudierons à l'université. — We will study at the university.
- Vous travaillerez dans un bureau. — You will work in an office.
- Ils mangeront au restaurant. — They will eat at the restaurant.

<h2>Tips to Help You Practice French Grammar Rules</h2>

One of the best ways to learn grammar in any language is to practice speaking it! French phrases can be easily read in your head, but trying to put together sentences with correct pronunciation is a whole different story. Luckily, with Tandem, you don’t have to be in France to start communicating. 

Tandem is a personalized language learning experience that allows you to match with native French speakers and continue perfecting your use of basic French grammar in real-life situations, regardless of where you are. Engaging in relevant conversation helps you build your vocabulary, practice French grammar, and more. Tandem works to help our members foster a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for [Tandem](https://app.adjust.com/4viw82u) and start perfecting your French today.

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Learn the essential French grammar rules to help you master verb conjugation, adjective placement, and more. Start learning basic French grammar today!

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French Grammar

A Complete Guide to Basic French Grammar Rules

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French Grammar Rules

French is an old language that can be dated back to 842, but not all the words used then are still around. Modern vocabulary and cultural diversity have resulted in a ton of French slang words and French slang phrases that continue to evolve each year. While some French slang has a literal translation, other words have simply been created using syllables of <i>other</i> French words. These new words are called verlan, which is actually a verlan word from the French word l'envers (backwards or upside down).

Whether you want to learn French just for fun, you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country, or you’re moving somewhere that speaks French, slang can help you sound more like a native speaker. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 40 French slang words and phrases to help you sound like a local.

<h2>French Slang Words You Should Know</h2>

There are several French slang words that can help you sound like a native, the key is learning when to use them. Some can be used for [greetings in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/greetings-in-french), in place of [French verbs](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation), and even as a way to add a little flare to your sentences. To get started, here are some of the most common French slang words you’ll hear.

<h3>1. Chanmé</h3>

This is a French slang version of the word ‘méchant,’ which translates to nasty or mean. However, however counterintuitive that may be, chanmé is actually used to describe something as ‘awesome.’

<h3>2. Chelou</h3>

This comes from the word ‘louche,’ which translates to shady or strange. Unlike the French slang word above, the meaning is actually the same. So, if you want to call something shady in French, just say chelou.

<h3>3. Cimer</h3>

Cimer kind of sounds like a common French word we all know—merci—and actually has the same meaning! The main difference with this French slang word is that it’s used in a passive-aggressive way, kind of like saying ‘thanks for nothing.’

<h3>4. Ouf</h3>

If you want to say something is amazing or insane (in a good way), you can use ouf. This derives from ‘fou,’ which directly translates to crazy.

<h3>5. Teuf</h3>

This French slang word is a version of the word ‘fête,’ which means party. Teuf carries the same meaning, even though it’s definitely one of the older pieces of French slang (hello 90s slang!).

<h3>6. Pécho</h3>

Pécho is verlan for the French word ‘choper,’ which translates to grab. However, pécho takes that word to a new level. It can mean things like ‘to date someone,’ ‘to buy drugs,’ ‘to sleep with someone,’ or even… ‘to grab something.’ Use it carefully!

<h3>7. Vénère</h3>

This French slang derives from the word ‘énervé’, and actually carries the same meaning. Both of them can be used to say annoyed or irritated.

<h3>8. Bolos</h3>

Bolos is technically a French slang word, but it was recently added to the French dictionary! It’s used to describe someone who is a little bit of a coward or naïve. It can also be used as a way to describe someone ridiculous or a little dumb.

<h3>9. Relou</h3>

This French slang word originates from ‘lourd,’ which translates to heavy. However, when you say something is ‘relou,’ you’re actually saying it’s annoying.

<h3>10. Mater</h3>

Mater is one of the French verbs that translates to ‘subdue.’ However, when used as French slang, it often means ‘to check out.’

<h3>11. Bouffer</h3>

This French slang word is used as a replacement for the verb ‘manger,’ which means to eat. Although they mean basically the same, bouffer adds a connotation of eating a bit greedily or excessively.

<h3>12. Pote</h3>

When talking about a close friend or buddy, you can say pote. It’s gender neutral and similar to the word ‘mate.’

<h3>13. Chouette</h3>

This French word directly translates to ‘owl,’ but carries a different meaning when used as French slang. Instead of saying something is an owl, you can use chouette to say something or someone is cool or great.

<h3>14. Frérot</h3>

This French slang word is used as a way to say ‘bro’ among friends. However, the direct translation literally means ‘little brother.’

<h3>15. Chiant/e</h3>

Technically, this can be used several ways. Most commonly, it’s used to describe something that is a ‘pain in the ass.’

<h3>16. Oklm</h3>

Next on our list of French slang words is oklm. This is technically the phonetic version of ‘au calme’ and is used to say something is ‘cool’ or ‘hip.’

<h3>17. Une clope</h3>

When you want to describe a group of smokers, you can call them ‘une clope.’ If you want to ask someone for a cigarette, you can ask if they have a ‘clope.’

<h3>18. Mytho</h3>

This is a French slang word that’s often used as an insult. It’s a shortened version of the word ‘mythomana,’ which translates to ‘compulsive liar.’ So, saying that someone is a mytho is basically saying they’re a liar.

<h3>19. Wesh</h3>

This is kind of like saying, what’s up in French slang, but wesh or wech is used more ironically. It’s kind of like saying ‘yo,’ and originates from French rappers outside of Paris!

<h3>20. Un truc</h3>

This is one of the most common French slang words used by all speakers. It’s an alternative word for saying ‘a thing’ in French, usually when someone can’t remember what it’s actually called. In English, someone might say, “Oh, you know… that thingie that plugs into the car’s stereo.”

<h3>21. Un bordel</h3>

The literal translation for this word is ‘a brothel,’ but in French slang, it’s used as a replacement for ‘a mess’ or ‘chaos. It may also be used to say something is a disaster.

<h3>22. Meuf</h3>

This is French slang for a woman, girl, check, etc. It can be used to describe any female friend, girlfriend, or person you know. 

<h3>23. Mec</h3>

This is French slang for a guy, friend, dude, etc. It’s basically the same as the English word ‘bro.’

<h3>24. Frais/fraiche</h3>

This French slang word is used to say something is ‘fresh.’ Although this can technically be used literally, like in the case of food, it’s commonly used among younger generations to say something is ‘cool.’

<h3>25. Grave</h3>

Although this sounds like you’re about to talk about something serious, this French slang word actually turns serious into an adjective. It can be used to call something ‘seriously’ good or ‘seriously’ delicious.

<h2>Common French Slang Phrases</h2>

Although there aren’t many options to ask, “How are you doing?” in French slang, there are a ton of French slang phrases that can be incorporated into everyday conversation. Whether you want to strike up a conversation, comment on a situation, or get yourself out of a situation, there’s an option for you. To help you maximize your effectiveness at using these French slang phrases, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today! Then start incorporating some of the following into your conversations.

<h3>26. Ça baigne?</h3>

This is one of the best options for asking, “How are you?” in French slang. It’s similar to the commonly used ç ava and carries the same meaning. Although the French verb ‘baigne’ directly translates to ‘to bathe,’ the phrase has morphed into one of the commonly used French slang phrases today.

<h3>27. Arrête de te la péter</h3>

Although informal, this French slang phrase isn’t exactly explicit. Still, it’s best to use it among friends or people you know well, as the French word ‘péter’ directly translates to ‘to fart.’ However, when put together with the rest, this phrase is often used as a way to tell someone to stop showing off. 

<h3>28. Laisse tomber</h3>

If you want to tell someone to ‘let it go’ or ‘drop it,’ use this French slang phrase. It can also mean ‘never mind,’ like when you’re trying to explain something to someone, but they’re simply not picking it up.

<h3>29. Être dans le coaltar</h3>

This French slang phrase directly translates to ‘to be in the coal tar.’ However, when used as slang, it means ‘to be in a daze.’  You can use this when you’re not thinking clearly, or something is causing your mind to be a bit muddled.

<h3>30. Avoir la flemme</h3>

This French phrase directly translates to ‘to have laziness,’ but when used as French slang, it means you can’t be bothered or can’t be asked to do something.

<h3>31. Avoir la seum</h3>

When you want to express your disapproval of something or tell someone that you’re ‘pissed off’ about something, you can use this French slang phrase. It’s quite Parisian and used mostly by younger generations, but it can definitely make an impression in conversation.

<h3>32. C’est n’importe quoi</h3>

If you want to say that something is ridiculous or nonsense, you can use this French slang phrase. In more PG-13 situations, it can also be used to say, ‘That’s bullshit!’

<h3>33. Je te kiffe</h3>

When you want to tell someone that you like them, you can use the French slang phrase, ‘je te kiffe.’ In fact, anytime you talk about things that you like or love, you can use the word ‘kiffe.’

<h3>34. Je suis crevé</h3>

When you’re super tired or exhausted, you can use this phrase. It’s a great French slang word to say when you’re just feeling a bit worn out.

<h3>35. Je me casse</h3>

Ever been in a situation where you just needed to get up and leave? If so, you can use the French slang phrase, je me case! Directly translated, this means ‘I break myself,’ but when used as slang, it means ‘I’m out of here!’ However, this is pretty informal, so try to only use it around close friends.

Learning French slang phrases and words is a great way to practice pronunciation, solidify your knowledge of the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet), and strengthen your understanding of contextual content. While we hope this guide has been helpful and informative, the best way to get the most out of your knowledge is to match with a native speaker and start practicing. That’s where Tandem comes in. With millions of members worldwide, you’re sure to find someone who can help you gain confidence when speaking French. Whether you want to practice your French slang words or brush up on your [numbers in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/numbers-in-french), your conversations can be self-guided, natural, and fun. 

Tandem works to help our members foster a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. To join our community and work on your fluency, sign up for [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today.


Have you ever been curious about French slang words? Want to learn how to integrate French slang phrases into your conversations? Learn how here!

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French Slang

35 French Slang Words and Phrases to Speak Like a Native

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Learning a new language requires a lot of studying, memorization, and practice, but the best way to solidify your understanding is by interacting with native speakers. To do that, you need to know how to properly greet someone. In the midst of learning the alphabet and mastering French vocabulary, you might pause and ask yourself… “How do you greet someone in French?” 

Well, you probably already know the answer to that, even if you haven’t been studying the language! <i>Bonjour</i> is widely known and accepted as a typically French greeting, but it’s not the only way to spark a conversation. In reality, there are dozens of different options. Although you can continue using <i>bonjour</i>, we recommend adding some variety to your vocabulary if you want to create more opportunities to connect with French speakers. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to greet people in French.

<h2>Tips for Etiquette on How to Greet People in French</h2>

How you greet someone in French depends on your relationship with them. Therefore, to avoid offending anyone, there are a few rules of etiquette (aside from general politeness) you should follow. For example, it’s normal for friends and family in France to pair their French greetings with cheek kisses. The number of kisses tends to depend on the region, but they usually begin on the right side of the face. If you’re unsure, just wait to see if the other person initiates it. 

However, if you were to do that in a formal setting or during a business meeting, it might not go over as well. Formal greetings in French are usually paired with a handshake, much like the rest of the world. 

An interesting fact is that hugs can actually be viewed as an invasion of privacy in France. Stick to the cheek kisses unless you’re greeting a significant other, close friend, or family member.

<h2>Informal and Formal Greetings in French</h2>

There are several ways to greet someone in French, each of which relies on the relationship with the person, the situation, and your goal in the conversation. Since the right greeting can open up a world of conversation and new connections, learning the various options can greatly impact your impression with native French speakers. To help you maximize your efforts, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) and practice your greetings with a speaker today. Until then, review the following information on how to greet people in French.

<h3>Bonjour — Hello / Good morning</h3>

This is one of the most common greetings in French amongst people seeing each other for the first time that day. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

<h3>Bon matin — Good morning</h3>

This is how you say good morning to someone if you are speaking French in Quebec, but it’s not used in France.

<h3>Bon après-midi — Good afternoon</h3>

This is a French greeting that is sometimes used to say good afternoon, but many native speakers use it to say goodbye instead!

<h3>Bonsoir — Hello / Good evening</h3>

You can replace <i>bonjour</u> with <i>bonsoir</i> once the evening twilight starts to come in. It can also be used in both formal and informal settings.

<h3>Salut — Hi </h3>

This is another very common way to greet people in French, but it’s a bit more informal than <i>bonjour</i>. You can use it to say hello, hi, or even bye, but avoid using it with your boss or other respected figure.

<h3>Âllo — Hello</h3>

<i>Âllo</i> is a French greeting that’s reserved for use over the phone and is almost never used in face-to-face interactions. The person answering a phone often says this, similar to how English speakers answer, saying “Hello?”

<h3>Coucou — Hey there</h3>

This is a great alternative to <i>bonjour</i> and is often considered a “cuter” way to say hello. It translates directly to “hey” and should only be used amongst friends as it’s extremely informal.

<h3>Salut toi — Hey you</h3>

When greeting someone that you see regularly or know well, you can use <i>salut toi</i>. This is how to greet people in French who have the same social standing as you and is considered fairly informal.

<h3>Enchanté(e) — Nice to meet you</h3>

While enchanté(e) can be used to informally tell someone that it’s nice to meet you, it can also be elongated and used in formal settings. To make this greeting more formal simply add “de faire votre connaissance to the end.

<h3>Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance — Pleasure to meet you</h3>

This is another formal greeting in French that can be used in a business setting. It’s similar or replaceable with enchanté(e).

<h3>Ça roule? — How’s it going?</h3>

This is an informal greeting in French often used amongst friends. It can be said on its own or following an introductory hello.

<h3>Comment ça va? — How are you?</h3>

When you want to ask someone how they are in French, you can use <i>comment ça va?</i>. You can say it alone as its own greeting or paired with a friendly <i>bonjour</i>. If you want to shorten it to an even more informal French greeting, remove <i>comment</i> so that it’s simply <i>ça va?</i>, which translates to “what’s up?”

<h3>Quoi de neuf? — What’s up?</h3>

Another way to ask someone, “what’s up?” is to say <i>quoi de neuf?</i>. This option is often considered more informal.

<h3>Tu vas bien? — How are you doing?</h3>

Another way to ask someone how they’re doing is by saying <i>tu vas bien?</i>

<h3>Excusez-moi? — Excuse me?</h3>

When you need to get someone’s attention but don’t know them, you can politely say <i>excusez-moi</i>. This is often used if you need to get past someone or if you need help in a store or restaurant. 

Some French greetings will be used more than others, but don’t be afraid to experiment with them all! Remember, some relationships warrant specific greetings, so try to understand when the best time to use each. Formal greetings in French are best used with people in authority and individuals you don’t know.

When learning how to greet people in French, the best way to practice is through real-life application. Luckily, with Tandem, you don’t have to be in France to achieve this. Tandem is a personalized language learning experience that allows you to match with native French speakers and continue perfecting your use of the French alphabet in real-life situations, regardless of where you are. Play games or exchange in useful conversations to help you build your vocabulary, practice French greetings, and more. Tandem works to help our members foster a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today and get started on the path to fluency.

If you’ve ever wondered how to greet someone in French, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to know about greetings in French.

Greetings in French

Learning French can be both extremely rewarding and quite challenging, but your efforts will pay off. French is a beautiful language that’s spoken by over 97 million people around the world. So, whether you’re looking to travel or move to France or just want to speak like a native, you’ll need to master the different numbers in French. Luckily, you can start practicing your French numbers regardless of you’re at in your language learning journey. To help you get started, we’ll go over all of the numbers in French from 0 to 100 and a few tips for pronunciation and memorization.  

<h2>How to Say Numbers in French</h2>

As a new learner, French pronunciation can be difficult. Although you might assume that numbers are pretty basic, French numbers 1 to 100 aren’t always easy. There are two different ways to pronounce the number six, eight, and ten, each of which depending on the word that comes after them in a sentence. Specifically, their pronunciation changes depending on if they’re the last word in a sentence, if they’re followed by a consonant, or if they’re followed by a vowel. To help you practice these differences, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) and match with a native French speaker today.

When counting, six, eight, and ten all follow the same rule as when they’re at the end of a sentence, which is what we’ll focus on in the list below. As you start to understand numbers in French and use them in conversation, you’ll be introduced to the other rules. For now, let’s explore how to say numbers in French when counting from 1 to 100. 

<h2>Numbers in French 0 to 10</h2>

When you start your journey, you’ll probably begin with some basics like the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet) and the French numbers 0 to 10. Luckily, these are the easiest numbers to learn in French and can help you build your foundation for the more challenging ones. Without further ado, here are the numbers in French 0 to 10.

<h3>0 — zero</h3>
<h3>1 — un</h3>
<h3>2 — deux</h3>
<h3>3 — trois</h3>
<h3>4 — quatre</h3>
<h3>5 — cinq</h3>
<h3>6 — six</h3>
<h3>7 — sept</h3>
<h3>8 — huit</h3>
<h3>9 — neuf</h3>
<h3>10 — dix</h3>

<h2>Numbers in French 10 to 20</h2>

The first ten numbers in French are easy enough, right? They act as your basic building blocks for counting, but things start to get a little tricky when you get into the teens. Here, you’ll find French numbers 10 through 16 as independent numbers, while 17 through 19 are composed numbers that are separated by a hyphen. Then, we go back to an independent number with 20. Let’s explore these differences between numbers in French from 10 to 20 below.

<h3>10 — dix</h3>
<h3>11 — onze</h3>
<h3>12 — douze</h3>
<h3>13 — treize</h3>
<h3>14 — quatorze</h3>
<h3>15 — quinze</h3>
<h3>16 — seize</h3>
<h3>17 — dix-sept</h3>
<h3>18 — dix-huit</h3>
<h3>19 — dix-neuf</h3>
<h3>20 — vingt</h3>

<h2>French Numbers 20 to 69</h2>

The numbers in French 1 to 20 are fairly straightforward and a great place to start your foundation. However, if you want to truly sound like a native speaker, you’ll need to go beyond the basics and start mastering numbers in French 1 to 60. Once you feel confident with the numbers 1 to 20 in French, it’s time to move on the more complex French numbers. 

<h3>20 — vingt</h3>
<h3>21 — vingt et un</h3>
<h3>22 — vingt-deux</h3>
<h3>23 — vingt-trois</h3>
<h3>24 — vingt-quatre</h3>
<h3>25 — vingt-cinq</h3>
<h3>26 — vingt-six</h3>
<h3>27 — vingt-sept</h3>
<h3>28 — vingt-huit</h3>
<h3>29 — vingt-neuf</h3>
<h3>30 — trente</h3>
<h3>31 — trente et un</h3>
<h3>32 — trente-deux</h3>
<h3>33 — trente-trois</h3>
<h3>34 — trente-quartre</h3>
<h3>35 — trente-cinq</h3>
<h3>36 — trente-six</h3>
<h3>37 — trente-sept</h3>
<h3>38 — trente-huit</h3>
<h3>39 — trente-neuf</h3>
<h3>40 — quarante</h3>
<h3>41 — quarante et un</h3>
<h3>42 — quarante-deux</h3>
<h3>43 — quarante-trois</h3>
<h3>44 — quarante-quatre</h3>
<h3>45 — quarante-cinq</h3>
<h3>46 — quarante-six</h3>
<h3>47 — quarante-sept</h3>
<h3>48 — quarante-huit</h3>
<h3>49 — quarante-neuf</h3>
<h3>50 — cinquante</h3>
<h3>51 — cinquante et un</h3>
<h3>52 — cinquante-deux</h3>
<h3>53 — cinquante-trois</h3>
<h3>54 — cinquante-quatre</h3>
<h3>55 — cinquante-cinq</h3>
<h3>56 — cinquante-six</h3>
<h3>57 — cinquante-sept</h3>
<h3>58 — cinquante-huit</h3>
<h3>59 — cinquante-neuf</h3>
<h3>60 — soixante</h3>
<h3>61 — soixante et un</h3>
<h3>62 — soixante-deux</h3>
<h3>63 — soixante-trois</h3>
<h3>64 — soixante-quatre</h3>
<h3>65 — soixante-cinq</h3>
<h3>66 — soixante-six</h3>
<h3>67 — soixante-sept</h3>
<h3>68 — soixante-huit</h3>
<h3>69 — soixante-neuf</h3>

As you can see, each set of 10 French numbers 20 to 69 follow a similar rule. For example, all of the whole numbers (20/30/40/50/60) are independent numbers. Then, 21/31/41/51/61 follow the same rule where they are the independent number + et un. After that, you simply replace “et” with a hyphen and add the root of the numbers in French 1 to 10.

<h2>French Numbers 70 to 79</h2>

Once you get to the French number 70, things start to get a little… out of the ordinary. Each set of numbers—70, 80, and 90—follow different rules. A.k.a., the previous pattern changes. However, with a little practice, you’ll be able to add these to your list and successfully pronounce the French numbers 1 to 100 (and 0, of course!). So, let’s take a look at the French numbers 70 to 79 and how they’re formed. 

<h3>70 — soixante-dix</h3>
<h3>71 — soixante-et-onze</h3>
<h3>72 — soixante-douze</h3>
<h3>73 — soixante-treize</h3>
<h3>74 — soixante-quatorze</h3>
<h3>75 — soixante-quinze</h3>
<h3>76 — soixante-seize</h3>
<h3>77 — soixante-dix-sept</h3>
<h3>78 — soixante-dix-huit</h3>
<h3>79 — soixante-dix-neuf</h3>

As you can see, the French numbers 70 to 79 use the base of 60 plus 11 through 19. There isn’t a number for 70 like the English “seventy.” Although this can seem a bit odd, it’s the way it’s just the way it is! Just keep practicing and eventually you’ll get the hang of it! 

<h2>French Numbers 80 to 100</h2>

Once you get to the French number 80, the rules change once again. The numbers in French 80 to 99 use the base of 20, plus the numbers 1 through 19. Sound confusing? Don’t worry, just review the numbers in French from 80 to 100 below.

<h3>80 — quatre-vingts</h3>
<h3>81 — quatre-vingt-un</h3>
<h3>82 — quatre-vingt-deux</h3>
<h3>83 — quatre-vingt-trois</h3>
<h3>84 — quatre-vingt-quatre</h3>
<h3>85 — quatre-vingt-cinq</h3>
<h3>86 — quatre-vingt-six</h3>
<h3>87 — quatre-vingt-sept</h3>
<h3>88 — quatre-vingt-huit</h3>
<h3>89 — quatre-vingt-neuf</h3>
<h3>90 — quatre-vingt-dix</h3>
<h3>91 — quatre-vingt-onze</h3>
<h3>92 — quatre-vingt-douze</h3>
<h3>93 — quatre-vingt-treize</h3>
<h3>94 — quatre-vingt-quatorze</h3>
<h3>95 — quatre-vingt-quinze</h3>
<h3>96 — quatre-vingt-seize</h3>
<h3>97 — quatre-vingt-dix-sept</h3>
<h3>98 — quatre-vingt-dix-huit</h3>
<h3>99 — quatre-vingt-dix-neuf</h3>
<h3>100 — cent</h3>

And there you have it, all of the Numbers in French 1 to 100 and more. We hope that this guide has helped you better understand how to say numbers in French, but it’s going to take a little more practice than that. To work on your French number pronunciation and more, join Tandem’s unique community of language learners across the world. Using our personalized language learning experience, you can match with native French speakers learn how to practically use numbers in French in your conversation. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. To join our community and work on your fluency, sign up for [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today.


Want to learn how to pronounce numbers in French 1 – 100? No problem! Just check out our comprehensive guide and you’ll learn everything you need to master French numbers.

Numbers in French 1 100

Numbers in French

French numbers

There are several different ways you can try to describe things in languages. You can discuss color, size, age, and condition. You can also classify an object by ownership. When learning French, differentiating between all of the ways to speak about something while trying to perfect your pronunciation can feel like information overload. 

However, the important thing is to take things slow, continue practicing, and get additional help when you need it. Whether you’re trying to grow your vocabulary, strengthen your inner conversationalist, or obtain full French fluency, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the four demonstrative adjectives in French. 

In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know about French demonstrative adjectives so you can fine tune your communication skills and continue towards fluency.    

<h2>What Are Demonstrative Adjectives in French?</h2>

French demonstrative adjectives, or <i>adjectifs démonstratifs</i>, are used when you want to point out one or more specific nouns in conversation. They replace the article when identifying any given noun in conversation. Their English equivalents are this, that, these and those. As with English, French demonstrative adjectives can often be distinguished based on distance. This and these are used for nearby objects, where that and those are used to describe things further away. 

Demonstrative adjectives in French follow the same rules as other [French adjectives](https://www.tandem.net/blog/demonstrative-adjectives-french) in that they must match the gender and number of the noun they’re specifying. All in all, there are four French demonstrative adjectives, as outlined in the table below:

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th></th>
        <th>this/that</th>
        <th>these/those</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>Masculine Demonstrative Adjective in French</td>
        <td>ce</td>
        <td>ces</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Masculine Demonstrative Adjective in French + a vowe</td>
        <td>cet</td>
        <td>ces</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>Feminine Demonstrative Adjective in French</td>
        <td>cette</td>
        <td>ces</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

As you can see in the table, when a masculine demonstrative adjective is used in French with a noun or adjective that starts with a vowel, you’ll need to use a different form. This is to avoid difficulties in both pronunciation and understanding. To further strengthen your pronunciation during conversation, don’t forget to practice your [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet) regularly. The use of <i>cet</i> should only be used when the French demonstrative pronoun precedes words with a vowel or an h. You can see how the different masculine, feminine, and plural demonstrative adjectives are used in the following examples:

- <i>ce sac à dos</i> — this/that backpack
- <i>ce chiot</i> — this/that puppy
- <i>cet homme</i> — this/that man
- <i>cet unique garçon</i> — this/that unique boy
- <i>cette maison</i> — this/that house
- <i>cette chaise</i> — this/that chair
- <i>ces chiots</i> — these/those puppies
- <i>ces hommes</i> — these/those men
- <i>ces maisons</i> — these/those houses

<h2>How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives in French?</h2>

Demonstrative adjectives in French are always used in place of an article, never in addition to one. This means removing the “the” before the noun and replacing it with any of the four French demonstrative adjectives, depending on gender and number. To help you practice mastering your use of demonstrative adjectives, [possessive adjectives in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/possessive-adjectives-french), and other elements of this beautiful language, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) and match with a native speaker today. It’s a great way to practice different parts of speech, from [reflexive verbs in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french) to demonstrative adjectives and beyond.

Another rule of using French demonstrative adjectives is that they’re always placed directly in front of a noun or an adjective and a noun. The French adjective list is long, but demonstrative adjectives will always come before simple descriptive adjectives. For example:

- <i>ce grand arbre est vert</i> — this big tree is green
- <i>cet arbre est vert</i> — this tree is green

Although the French demonstrative adjectives used here change due to the preceding word, the meaning of the sentence doesn’t change too much.

<h3>Clarifying French Demonstrative Adjectives: This or That? These or Those?</h3>

The French demonstrative adjectives themselves provide no details on whether the speaker is referring to this or that, these or those. Although some sentences don’t require clarification, when they do, you’ll need to attach an additional suffix to the noun. When you want to say either “this” or “these,” you’ll need to attach the suffix <i>-ci</i> to the end of the noun. When you want to say either “that” or “those,” you’ll need to attach the suffix <i>-là</i> to the end of the noun. For example:

- <i>cette chaise-ci est parfaite pour votre nouvelle maison</i> — this chair is perfect for your new house
- <i>cette chaise-là est confortable</i> — that chair is comfortable
- <i>cette couleur-ci n'est pas agréable</i> — this color is not nice
- <i>cette couleur-là te va à merveille</i> — that color looks great on you
- <i>ce prof-là parle trop</i> — that teacher talks too much
- <i>ce prof-ci est sympa<i> — this teacher is nice

You may see this omitted from the spoken language often, as clarifying between this and that or these and those doesn’t always matter. However, it’s a good practice to be aware of, just in case you find yourself in a conversation that uses it. When paired with the proper [French verb conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation), you’ll be able to put together sentences that native speakers can easily understand.

Learning French can be difficult, especially when you try to master all of the different parts of speech at once. The best way to get the most out of your demonstrative adjectives in French is to partner with a native speaker and practice as much as possible. Luckily, you don’t have to travel all the way to France to do this. All you need to do is sign up for Tandem!

Tandem is a unique community filled with language learners around the world. We offer a personalized experience that helps our members practice with real people and real conversation, which can help you achieve real fluency. Using our innovative language app, all you need to do is match with a native French speaker and continue practicing your use of French demonstrative adjectives, verb conjugation, and more. All while discussing real-life situations that can help foster meaningful friendships. Play games with each other or exchange useful conversation to help you build your vocabulary and improve recall. 

Tandem works to help our members develop a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. 


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In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know about French demonstrative adjectives so you can fine tune your communication skills and continue towards fluency.

demonstrative adjectives french, french adjectives demonstratives, demonstrative adjectives French.

Demonstrative adjectives French

Understanding Demonstrative Adjectives in French

French demonstrative adjectives, or <i>adjectifs démonstratifs</i>, are used when you want to point out one or more specific nouns in conversation. They replace the article when identifying any given noun in conversation.

What Are Demonstrative Adjectives in French?

Demonstrative adjectives in French are always used in place of an article, never in addition to one. This means removing the “the” before the noun and replacing it with any of the four French demonstrative adjectives, depending on gender and number.

How to Use Demonstrative Adjectives in French?

One of the first things that people do when trying to learn French is work on their memorization and pronunciation of words. While this is important to expanding your vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure is essential for obtaining fluency. One way to do this is to discover the possessive adjectives in French and how they’re used within a sentence. This can help you describe the relationship between different subjects or objects in your sentences and clarify possession. In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about French possessive adjectives so you can have a better understanding of the various forms, how to use them, and where they go in a sentence.  

<h2>What Are the Possessive Adjectives in French?</h2>

A French possessive adjective is a descriptor that’s used to define ownership of an object or subject. They tell the listener to whom or what the noun in the sentence belongs to. They’re known as <i>les adjectifs possessifs</i> and are key connectors for sentences used throughout conversation. The English possessive adjectives include words like, “my, your, his, her, it, our, and their,” and all have counterparts in French. To make sure that you’re pronouncing them correctly, brush up on the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet) and practice speaking often. You can see the 18 different French possessive adjectives in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Possessive Adjective</th>
        <th>Singular (Masculine) French Possessive Adjective</th>
        <th>Singular (Feminine) French Possessive Adjective</th>
        <th>Plural French Possessive Adjectives</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>my</td>
        <td>mon</td>
        <td>ma</td>
        <td>mes</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>your</td>
        <td>ton</td>
        <td>ta</td>
        <td>tes</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>his/hers/its</td>
        <td>son</td>
        <td>sa</td>
        <td>ses</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>our</td>
        <td>notre</td>
        <td>notre</td>
        <td>nos</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>your (plural/formal)</td>
        <td>votre</td>
        <td>votre</td>
        <td>ils/elles viennent</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>their</td>
        <td>leur</td>
        <td>leur</td>
        <td>leurs</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

<h3>Where to Use a French Possessive Adjective</h3>

Although possessive adjectives in French are modifiers, they always come before the noun that is the target of ownership. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. You can practice using possessive adjectives in a sentence by downloading [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) and matching with a native French speaker today. 

Possessive adjectives in French use the same structure as in English, so it’s an easy transition. French possessive adjectives will also completely replace the article, or “the,” that’s usually used with a noun. In French, this means possessive adjectives replace <i>le, la, and les</i>. Some examples of basic sentences with French possessive adjectives include:

- <i>C'est mon chat</i> — That is my cat
- <i>C'est ta veste ?</i> — Is this your jacket?
- <i>Ce sont nos livres</i> — Those are our books
- <i>Il marche vers le magasin avec sa mère</i> — He’s walking to the store with his mom

If you’re making a list with several different nouns that relate to ownership, you need to place a French possessive adjective in front of every single one. This is different from English, where you only need to place one at the start of the list. For example:

- <i>Ma mère, mon père et mon frère sont ici</i> — My mom, dad, and brother are here

<h3>How to Talk About Body Parts</h3>

You do not use possessive adjectives in French when describing body parts. Instead, you use pronominal verbs. Although the body parts are technically “owned” by the person who possesses them, you use reflexive pronouns for describing them. For example:

- <i>Je me lave le pied</i> — I am washing my foot
- <i>Elle se brosse les cheveux</i> — She is brushing her hair

Another thing to understand about using a possessive adjective is that it needs to be paired with a noun, similar to other French adjectives. If it replaces the noun completely, it’s then considered a pronoun rather than an adjective. On the contrary, demonstrative adjectives in French will replace the noun completely.

![Possessive adjectives ](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/3t7EfHtrqUCMSYnmf52xXn/606beda2eef3c08c012ef29eb8a5c92f/French_Reflexive_Verbs-16-min.jpg)

<h2>How to Modify Possessive Adjectives in French</h2>

When using possessive adjectives in French, they must always agree with the noun in both gender and number. They are not affected by the speaker’s gender in any way. It’s similar to performing [French verb conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation). This is the primary difference between using possessive adjectives in English, as they do not need to be modified within a sentence. 

However, in French, if the noun in question is feminine and plural, the possessive adjective needs to be as well. Although there are differences between masculine and feminine singular possessive adjectives in French, the plural is the same for both genders.

<h3>Exceptions to the Rule</h3>

The exception to the modification agreement rule for French possessive adjectives occurs when there is a feminine noun that begins with a noun. To help with pronunciation and sentence flow, the masculine possessive adjective is used instead. For example, consider the two sentences below:

- <i>Je suis allé au magasin avec ma mère</i> —I went to the store with my mom
- <i>Je suis allé au magasin avec mon ami</i> — I went to the store with my friend

Notice how in the first sentence, the singular feminine possessive adjective is used, but in the second, the masculine French possessive adjective is used even though <i>ami</i>, or “mom,” is feminine. If this wasn’t changed, it would read <i>ma ami</i>, which can cause difficulties with both pronunciation and comprehension. This is applied whenever the adjective comes before a vowel to avoid awkward sounds and misunderstandings. Simply put, if the noun starts with a vowel, the French possessive adjective will be masculine.

Try not to confuse possessive adjectives with [reflexive verbs in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french). Reflexive verbs are used to talk about a person performing an action on or for themselves. They include “myself, herself, himself, yourself, ourselves, and themselves” rather than “my, her, his, our, their.”

![possessive adjectives](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/Nwwv4EGKa2gbhODM8aFzS/7b3f586b18b7606b21f7cc894a9292c5/French_Reflexive_Verbs-17-min.jpg)

<h2>How to Use Different French Possessive Adjectives in Conversation</h2>

French possessive adjectives are commonly used in everyday conversation, from introducing yourself to someone new to discussing your plans for the weekend. They’re used in various networking settings and have several practical applications. To make sure that you adhere to the modification rules, it’s important to memorize your French nouns. You can also enhance your sentences with one or more descriptors from a French adjective list. This is the best way to ensure that you’re using the correct possessive adjectives in a sentence. Additional examples of using French possessive adjectives in conversation include the following:

- <i>Laissez-moi vous présenter ma mère, Claire</i> — Let me introduce my mother, Claire
- <i>Est-ce que je peux amener mon chien?</i> — Is it okay if I bring my dog?
- <i>Voici mon numéro de téléphone</i> — Here is my phone number
- <i>Je ne vais pas manger le reste de mes pâtes. Tu en veux?</i> — I’m not going to eat the rest of my pasta. Do you want it?
- <i>J'adore ton manteau</i> — I love your coat

Although understanding how to use possessive adjectives may not be as difficult as mastering [être conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/etre-conjugation-french), venir conjugation, or [faire conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/faire-conjugation-french) in French, it’s still an important part of fluency. 

To help you fast-track your journey to fluency, download Tandem today. Tandem is a unique language learning platform that offers personalized experiences for people around the world. Unlike more traditional language learning apps, Tandem allows you to match with a native speaker of your target audience and practice with real conversations. This approach also supports the development of long-lasting, diverse friendships across the globe!

All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and begin your conversation. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. 

In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about French possessive adjectives so you can have a better understanding of the various forms.

possessive adjectives french, adjective possessive french


Possessive adjectives 

What to Know About Possessive Adjectives in French

possessive adjectives

A French possessive adjective is a descriptor that’s used to define ownership of an object or subject. They tell the listener to whom or what the noun in the sentence belongs to.

What Are the Possessive Adjectives in French?

Although possessive adjectives in French are modifiers, they always come before the noun that is the target of ownership.

Where to Use a French Possessive Adjective


The French verb <i>venir</i> means “to come,” but there are several variations of its use. Whether you add a small preposition, pair it with a verb, or are speaking in different tenses, the meaning of venir can change significantly. Although this may seem like a difficult part of learning French, it’s one of the most important. Unfortunately, venir conjugation in French is considered irregular, so the best way to learn different forms is through memorization and practice.

To help you get started on your journey to mastering the French verb venir, consider the following guide on how to conjugate it in various tenses and moods.

<h2>How to Conjugate Venir in French</h2>

Like other irregular verbs, conjugating venir depends on the mood, tense, and voice being used in a sentence. This may include using the indefinite form, combining venir with other [French verb conjugations](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation), or adding additional prepositions and clarifying words. To help you discover the various ways to use venir, we’ve included some tables of the most common tenses and conjugation, when to use them, and how they’re used in everyday conversation.

<h3>Present Tense Conjugation of Venir in French</h3>

Conjugating venir in French present tense is not considered regular, but it does follow some type of pattern. Verbs that end in -enir, are usually changed in the same way, especially in the present tense form. This is used to describe events or an action that is happening right now. You can see the different present tense forms of venir conjugation in the table below:

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Venir Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I come</td>
        <td>je viens</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you come</td>
        <td>tu viens</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it comes</td>
        <td>il/ella/on vient</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we come</td>
        <td>nous venons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you come (plural)</td>
        <td>vous venez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they come (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles viennent</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using present tense venir conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>je viens chez toi</i> — I’m coming to your house
- <i>tu viens au cinéma?</i> — Are you coming to the movies?
- <i>nous venons pour le voyage</i> — We are coming on the trip

<h3>Venir French Conjugation in the Compound Past</h3>

When conjugating venir in the compound past, you need to pair it with the auxiliary verb <i>être</i>. You’ll need to use proper [être conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/etre-conjugation-french) and the correct form of the past participle of venir, which is <i>venu</i>. Like many verbs, the form depends on the gender and number of the subject. This tense describes singular past events that have already happened. You can see how this affects the venir conjugation in French below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Compound Past Venir Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I came</td>
        <td>je suis venu(e)</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you came</td>
        <td>tu es venu</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it came</td>
        <td>il/ella/on est venu(e)</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we came</td>
        <td>nous sommes venu(e)s</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you came (plural)</td>
        <td>vous êtes venu(e)s</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they came (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles sont venu(e)s</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some forms of venir have an added “e” on them. This is because the past participle form needs to agree with the subject, just like French adjectives do. In some cases, when the subject is feminine, an “e” is added. Whenever the subject is plural, an “s” is added to the end. Some examples include the following:

- <i>je suis venu chez vous</i> — I came to your house
- <i>tu es venu au cinéma ?</i> — Did you come to the movies?
- <i>nous sommes venus en voyage</i> — We came on the trip

<h3>Venir Conjugation in French Imperfect</h3>

When conjugating venir in French imperfect tenses, you’re describing something that occurred in the past, but was an ongoing event. It may also describe a past action or state of being that is considered incomplete. For examples of venir conjugation in imperfect tense, see the table below.   

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Imperfect Venir Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I was coming</td>
        <td>je venais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you were coming</td>
        <td>tu venais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it was coming</td>
        <td>il/ella/on venait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we were coming</td>
        <td>nous venions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you were coming (plural)</td>
        <td>vous veniez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they were coming (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles venaient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using imperfect venir conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i> je venais chez toi</i> — I was coming to your house
- <i>tu venais au cinéma?</i> — Were you coming to the movies?
- <i>nous venions pour le voyage</i> — We were coming on the trip

<h3>Simple Future Conjugation of Venir</h3>

When you want to talk about things that will happen in the future at some point, you need to use the simple future conjugation of venir in French. To help you gain a stronger understanding of how to conjugate venir in the past, present, and future, [download Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) to practice your conversation skills today. You can also review the simple future venir conjugation in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Simple Future Venir Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I will come</td>
        <td>je viendrai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will come</td>
        <td>tu viendras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it will come</td>
        <td>il/ella/on viendra</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we will come</td>
        <td>nous viendrons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will come (plural)</td>
        <td>vous viendrez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they will come (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles viendront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using venir conjugation in the simple future tense include:

- <i>je viendrai chez toi</i> — I was coming to your house
- <i>viendras-tu au cinéma?</i> — Will you come to the movies?
- <i>nous viendrons sur le voyage</i> — We will come on the trip

<h3>Conjugating Venir in the Conditional Tense</h3>

When conjugating venir in French using the conditional tense, you’re expressing that the subject of a sentence “would” have come. This is not a definitive statement and is often used when describing uncertain events. You can see the French venir conjugation and examples outlined below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Conditional Venir Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I would come</td>
        <td>je viendrais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you would come</td>
        <td>tu viendrais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it would come</td>
        <td>il/ella/on viendrait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we would come</td>
        <td>nous viendrions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you would come (plural)</td>
        <td>vous viendriez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they would come (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles viendraient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using venir conjugation in the conditional tense include:

- <i>je viendrais chez toi</i> — I would come to your house
- <i>tu viendrais au cinéma?</i> — Would you come to the movies?
- <i>nous viendrions sur le voyage</i> — We would come on the trip

<h3>Venir Conjugation in the Present Subjunctive</h3>

The present subjunctive conjugation of venir in French functions independent of time to express doubt or uncertainty. This is often paired with <i>que</i>, as demonstrated in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Subjunctive Venir Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>…that I come</td>
        <td>que je vienne</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that you come</td>
        <td>que tu viennes</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that he/she/it comes</td>
        <td>qu’ il/ella/on vienne</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that we come</td>
        <td>que nous venions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that you come (plural)</td>
        <td>que vous veniez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that they come (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>qu’ ils/elles viennent</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using the present subjunctive venir conjugation include:

- <i>il est important que je vienne chez vous</i> — It’s important that I come to your house
- <i>il est nécessaire que nous venions sur le voyage</i> — It’s necessary that we come on the trip

<h2>Other Helpful Tips for Using Venir Conjugation in French</h2>

Venir is considered an irregular -ir verb, but it’s not alone. There are several different French verbs that end with venir, which means they’ll all be conjugated in the same way. The only difference that may occur is that some verbs that end with -venir may be paired with être conjugation, while others may be paired with avoir. You may also need to incorporate [reflexive verbs in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french) depending on the sentence structure. Just a few examples of other French verbs ending in -venir include:

- <i>advenir</i> — to happen
- <i>convenir</i> — to be convenient
- <i>prévenir</i> — to warn
- <i>revenir</i> — to come back
- <i>survenir</i> — to occur

You can also attach the prepositions <i>de</i> and <i>à</i> and add a verb to change the meaning of venir.

For example, <i>venir de</i> means “to come from” and is usually applied when talking about someone’s background. But, when someone says venir de + infinitive verb, it usually means “have just.” For example, <i>je viens de préparer le dîner</i> means “I have just cooked dinner.”

Similarly, <i>venir à</i> changes to mean “to come to.” This is usually applied when speaking about an event such as <i>j'espère que vous viendrez au parc avec nous</i>, which means “I hope you come to the park with us. However, when you add an infinitive verb after the à, it can change this meaning to describe coming to a certain point or “eventually.” For example, <i>si le temps venait à changer, nos plans pourraient être ruinés</i>, which means “if the weather were to change, our plans may be ruined.”

The way you pronounce venir in French may also change depending on its tense. There are both formal and modern pronunciations that can be used when speaking. Learning the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet) and its rules can help you determine the best way to say each tense, but so can practicing in conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get feedback on your speaking skills as this is the best way to learn.

Like [faire conjugation in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/faire-conjugation-french) and [aller conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/aller-conjugation-french), learning how to properly conjugate venir is an important step towards fluency. With so many applications in daily conversation, mastering these tenses can help you get the most out of your studies. Although it can seem overwhelming at first, one of the best things to do is take your time, be patient, and actually practice your speech. Although this can be hard if you’re studying at home or in a community without many native French speakers, Tandem is here to help. 

Tandem is a unique language learning experience available to members across the world. We offer a personalized learning experience for like-minded individuals looking to practice their conversation skills, solidify vocabulary, and make substantial improvement in their fluency.

To get started, all you need to do is download the app, match with a native French speaker, and start talking! Not only is Tandem a great way to grow your confidence in speaking French, but it can also connect you with new, life-long friends. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. 


To help you get started on your journey to mastering the French verb venir, consider the following guide on how to conjugate it in various tenses and moods.

Conjugate venir French, vernir French conjugation, conjugation of venir French, conjugation of venir in French, venir conjugation in French


venir conjugation french 

Venir Conjugation in French

Like other irregular verbs, conjugating venir depends on the mood, tense, and voice being used in a sentence. This may include using the indefinite form, combining venir with other French verb conjugations, or adding additional prepositions and clarifying words.

How to Conjugate Venir in French


When you speak in your native language, how often do you stop to think about what you’re going to say before you say it? Chances are, not very often. Fluency allows us to seamlessly communicate without much effort. In English, changing between tenses is straightforward and adding pronouns provides clarification about who, what, where, and when. In French, things get a little more complicated. French verb conjugation is one of the most challenging parts of fluency for many learners. Although there are some straightforward rules, other verbs follow seemingly random structures. This is especially true when working with the French aller conjugation. However, the irregular verb <i>aller</i>, which means “to go,” is one of the three most commonly used verbs in French. To help you better understand how to perform aller conjugation, consider our comprehensive guide below.

<h2>How to Conjugate Aller in French</h2>

Although its meaning is simple, aller verb conjugation in French can vary depending on which tense, mood, or voice you’re using. Aller conjugation may involve changing the indefinite form of the verb or combining it with other applications of [French verb conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation). Although it might seem confusing at first, aller’s versatile use makes it an essential French verb to learn. To help provide you with a solid foundation, we’ve included some tables that dictate different tenses of conjugation, when to use them, and how they’re used in a sentence.

<h3>Aller Conjugation in the Present</h3>

Aller conjugation in the present is very irregular, but understanding it is almost as important to fluency as learning the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet). Aller is commonly used with other verbs to create additional tenses and form complex sentences. French aller conjugation in the present tense is used to describe an action that is happening right now. You can see the different present tense forms of aller in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I go</td>
        <td>je vais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you go</td>
        <td>tu vas</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it goes</td>
        <td>il/ella/on va</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we go</td>
        <td>nous allons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you go(plural)</td>
        <td>vous allez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they go (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles vont</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

As you can see, the conjugation for aller changes the word completely. The best way to remember the changes is to memorize them and practice. It’s also important to note that French aller conjugation is usually followed by the preposition <i>chez</i>, <i>en</i>, or <i>à/au</i>. This is the equivalent of using “to” in English. Some examples of using present tense aller conjugation in a sentence include:

<i>tu vas aller au cinéma</i> — you are going to the movies
<i>nous allons à la boulangerie</i> —we are going to the bakery

<h3>Conjugate French Aller in the Compound Past</h3>

Aller conjugation in the compound past is used to describe singular past events that have come and gone. This is relatable to the English “went.” However, in order to complete the compound past conjugation, you’ll need to pair it with the auxiliary verb <i>être</i>, or “to be.” You’ll use [être conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/etre-conjugation-french) and the past participle of aller, which is <i>allé</i>. You can see this outlined in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Compound Past Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I went</td>
        <td>je suis allé</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you went</td>
        <td>tu es allé</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it went</td>
        <td>il/ella/on est allé(e)</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we went</td>
        <td>nous sommes allés</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you went(plural)</td>
        <td>vous êtes allés</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they went(masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ls/elles sont allé(e) s</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

As you can see, some forms of allé have an added “e” on them. This is because the past participle form of allé needs to agree with the subject, just like French adjectives do. Whenever the subject is femining, an extra “e” is added. Whenever the subject is plural, an “s” is added to the end. Some examples include the following:

- <i>tu es allé au cinéma</i> — you went to the movies
- <i>nous sommes allés à la boulangerie</i> — we went to the bakery

<h3>Aller Verb Conjugation in French Imperfect</h3>

Conjugating aller in the imperfect tense is how you describe something that happened in the past, but was considered an ongoing event. In English, you can compare this form of aller conjugation to “was/were” or “used to.” The conjugation here is more consistent than other tenses, which is demonstrated in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Imperfect Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I was/used to</td>
        <td>j’allais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you were/used to</td>
        <td>tu allais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it was/used to</td>
        <td>il/ella/on allait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we were/used to</td>
        <td>nous allions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you were/used to (plural)</td>
        <td>vous alliez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they were/used to (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles allaient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using the imperfect tense of aller conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>tu allais au cinéma</i> — you were going to the movies
- <i>nous allions à la boulangerie</i> —we were going to the bakery

<h3>Simple Future Aller Conjugation</h3>

Conjugating the simple future form of aller follows a more regular structure. You’ll need to use the verb stem “ir” and then simply add on conjugated endings. The simple future is used to talk about things that will happen in the future at some point. To help you gain a stronger understanding of how to conjugate aller in the past, present, and future during conversation, [download Tandem ](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup)today. You can also review the future tense in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Simple Future Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I will go</td>
        <td>j’irai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will go</td>
        <td>tu iras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it will go</td>
        <td>il/ella/on ira</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we will go</td>
        <td>nous irons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will go (plural)</td>
        <td>vous irez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they will go (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles iront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using aller conjugation in the simple future include:

- <i>tu iras au cinéma</i> — you will go to the movies
- <i>nous irons à la boulangerie</i> —we will go to the bakery

<h3>Near Future Conjugation of Aller</h3>

Another way to discuss upcoming events is with the near future conjugation of aller. This is used when you want to talk about something that will happen soon. To do this, you’ll actually need to use both the conjugated form of aller and the infinitive form of aller. This can be seen in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Near Future Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I’m going to go</td>
        <td>je vais aller</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you’re going to go</td>
        <td>tu vas aller</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it is going to go</td>
        <td>il/ella/on va aller</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we’re going to go</td>
        <td>nous allons aller</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you’re going to go (plural)</td>
        <td>vous allez aller</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they’re going to go (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles vont aller</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using aller conjugation in the near future include:

- <i>tu vas aller au cinéma</i> — you’re going to go to the movies
- <i>nous allons aller à la boulangerie</i> —we’re going to go to the bakery

<h3>Conditional French Conjugation of Aller</h3>

When conjugating aller in French using conditional forms, you’re expressing that the subject of a sentence would go somewhere. This is not a definitive statement and is often used when saying you’d go somewhere if circumstances were different. Many times, the French conjugation of aller in the conditional tense includes the word “if” or <i>si</i>. You can see the conjugation and examples outlined below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Conditional Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I would go</td>
        <td>j’irais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you would go</td>
        <td>tu irais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it would go</td>
        <td>il/ella/on irait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we would go</td>
        <td>nous irions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you would go (plural)</td>
        <td>vous iriez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they would go (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles iraient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Examples of using the conditional form of aller conjugation include:

- <i>tu irais au cinéma</i> — you would go to the movies
- <i>nous irions à la boulangerie</i> —we would go to the bakery

<h3>Aller Conjugation in the Present Subjunctive</h3>

Another common use of aller conjugation is when talking in the present subjunctive tense, which is used to express doubt, uncertainty, requests, or even different possibilities. This is often paired with the conjunction <i>que</i>, as demonstrated in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Subjunctive Aller Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>…that I go</td>
        <td>que j’aille</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that you go</td>
        <td>que tu ailles</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that he/she/it goes</td>
        <td>que il/ella/on aille</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that we go</td>
        <td>que nous allions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that you would go (plural)</td>
        <td>que vous alliez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>…that they would go (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>que ils/elles aillent</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Examples of using the present subjunctive form of aller conjugation include:

- <i>il faut que tu ailles au cinéma</i> — you have to go to the movies (it’s necessary that you go to the movies)
- <i>je veux que nous allions à la boulangerie</i> —I want us to go to the bakery

<h2>Other Ways to Apply Aller Verb Conjugation in French</h2>

You can combine aller conjugation with other expressions or phrases to create various sentences with different intentions. One of the most common uses of aller conjugation is to either make statements about the status of something or ask questions about the condition.

For example, <i>Ella va bien<i> means “she is doing well” and <i>comment vas-tu?<i> means “how are you?”

Aller is also one of the [reflexive verbs in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french). When using the reflexive form of aller, you are essentially saying, “go away.” You need to use the preposition “en” for this form. This can be done in a few different ways. Two examples include:

-   	<i>va-t’en</i> — go away!
-   	<i>je m’en vais</i> — I’m going away

Whether you’re trying to master the aller conjugation, venir conjugation, or [faire conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/faire-conjugation-french) in French, things can get confusing fast. Luckily, language starts to come naturally the more you practice. To help you fast-track your journey to fluency, download Tandem today. Tandem is a unique language learning platform that offers personalized experiences for people around the world. Unlike other language apps, Tandem allows you to match with a native speaker of your target audience and practice with real conversations. This approach also supports the development of long-lasting, diverse friendships across the globe!

All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and begin your conversation. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup) today. 


To help you better understand how to perform aller conjugation, consider our comprehensive guide below.

Aller conjugation french, conjugation aller french, conjugate french aller, aller french conjugation


Aller conjugation french

To help you better understand how to perform aller conjugation in French, consider our comprehensive guide.

How to Use French Aller Conjugation


conjugate french aller

Although its meaning is simple, aller verb conjugation in French can vary depending on which tense, mood, or voice you’re using.

How to Conjugate Aller in French

How to Use French Aller Conjugation


While there are thousands of verbs you can use in a sentence, a few of them carry a much higher importance. Certain verbs, like “to do” or “to be” are used more often in any language, which makes understanding verb conjugation crucial. This is especially true with the French verb conjugation of être.

However, any type of French verb conjugation can get a little messy because you have to consider the tense, mood, and voice that are being used in a sentence. While there are many verbs that follow regular rules, there are also many that don’t. The word être is one of the irregular forms, but also one of the most commonly used verbs in French.

Conjugating the verb être, or “to be,” is one of the most important ways to improve your French and get one step closer to fluency. To help you better understand how to do this, this article will go over various tenses and their corresponding conjugation of être in French.

<h2>How to Conjugate Être in French</h2>

Conjugating être in French can be confusing, as there are several different ways it can be done. Each conjugation and subsequent forms of être depend on the sentence structure, the tense being used, and the overall mood. This can be overwhelming to new learners, especially because it’s one of the most important French verbs to learn, but with a little memorization and practice, être will become part of your vocabulary in no time. To help you get started, we’ve included tables of French être conjugation in some of the most commonly used verb tenses below.

<h3>French Être Conjugation in the Present</h3>

Present tense is the most commonly used tense in [French verb conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation). It’s used to describe the present moment, but also to describe your current state of being. To make more robust sentences, simply add some French adjectives. This could include your location, profession, or even physical state/emotion. The same is applied to être conjugation in French. You can see the different present tense être conjugations in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I am</td>
        <td>je suis</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you are</td>
        <td>tu es</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it is</td>
        <td>il/ella/on est</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we are</td>
        <td>nous sommes</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you are (plural)</td>
        <td>vous êtes</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they are (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles sont</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using present tense être conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je suis professeur</i> — I’m a teacher
- <i>Nous sommes heureux</i> — We are happy

<h3>Compound Past Être Conjugation</h3>

The compound past, or in French <i>passé composé</i> is used to talk about events that happened in the past. These are usually confined to singular events that happened once and then were over. The compound past needs to be combined with the auxiliary verb avoir (to have) and the past participle of être, which is <i>été</i>. You can see this defined in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Compound Past Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I was</td>
        <td>j’ai été</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you were</td>
        <td>tu as été</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it was</td>
        <td>il/ella/on a été</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we were</td>
        <td>nous avons été</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you were (plural)</td>
        <td>vous avez été</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they were (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles ont été</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Knowing the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet) is important for pronunciation of étre conjugations. Some examples of using the compound past tense with être conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>J’ai été impressionné</i> — I’m was impressed
- <i>Nous sommes bouleversé</i> — We were devastated

<h3>Imperfect Être Conjugation in French</h3>

Another commonly used form of French être conjugation is the imperfect tense. The imperfect tense is used to talk about continuous events that happened in the past. This is similar to the English equivalent of “used to” or “was/were.” With so many different ways to talk about events in the past, present, and future, things can get a little complicated. Download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup) to match with a native speaker and help strengthen your distinction between all of the different ways to conjugate être in French. When working with the être conjugation in the imperfect tense, more regular rules apply. As you can see in the table below, the roof of the word (ét) remains consistent throughout.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Imperfect Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I used to/was</td>
        <td>j’étais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you used to/were</td>
        <td>tu étais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it used to/was</td>
        <td>il/ella/on était</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we used to/were</td>
        <td>nous étions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you used to/were (plural)</td>
        <td>vous étiez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they used to/were (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles étaient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using imperfect tense être conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>J’étais professeur</i> — I used to be a teacher
- <i>Nous étions heureux</i> — We were happy

<h3>Être Conjugation for Simple Future Use</h3>

Conjugating être in French for future use is also an important part of working towards fluency, as it lets you discuss events that will be occurring later on. However, this is one of the most irregular forms of être conjugation, so memorization is key. The endings are regular, but the stem of être changes to ser-. You can see how this alters each form in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Simple Future Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I will be</td>
        <td>je serai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will be</td>
        <td>tu seras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it will be</td>
        <td>il/ella/on sera</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we will be</td>
        <td>nous serons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will be (plural)</td>
        <td>vous serez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they will be (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles seront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using simple perfect tense être conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je serai professeur</i> — I will be a teacher
- <i>Nous serons heureux</i> — We will be happy

<h3>Near Future Être Conjugation in French</h3>

If you want to talk about things that are going to happen soon, you can use the near future French être conjugation. This is similar to using “going to” in the English counterpart. You will need to partner the infinitive form of the verb être with aller conjugation to use this tense. You can see how this is done in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Near Future Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I am going to be</td>
        <td>je vais être</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you are going to be</td>
        <td>tu vas être</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it is going to be</td>
        <td>il/ella/on va être</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we are going to be</td>
        <td>nous allons être</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you are going to be (plural)</td>
        <td>vous allez être</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they are going to be (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles vont être</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using near perfect tense être conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je vais être professeur</i> — I am going to be a teacher
- <i>Nous allons être heureux</i> — We are going to be happy

<h3>Conditional French Conjugation of Être</h3>

If you want to say something “would” be, you need to use the conditional form of être conjugation in French. This is often paired with the word “if” in a sentence, or <i>si</i> in French. Conditional usage is therefore a type of hypothetical tense, or a way of saying you would do something under certain circumstances. You can see how être changes in the following table.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Conditional Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I will be</td>
        <td>Je serai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will be</td>
        <td>Tu seras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it will be</td>
        <td>il/ella/on sera</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we will be</td>
        <td>nous serons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will be (plural)</td>
        <td>vous serez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they will be (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles seront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using the condition tense of être conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je serai professeur</i> — I will be a teacher
- <i>Nous serons heureux</i> — We will be happy

Present Subjunctive French Être Conjugation

Finally, the subjunctive form of être conjugation is used to express some type of doubt or possibility in French. It’s how you communicate about uncertain events or even requests. In most instances, the être conjugation will follow the conjunction “que” in order to complete the sentence. You can see this in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Subjunctive Être Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>que je sois</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>que tu sois</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>que il/elle/on soit</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>que nous soyons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you</td>
        <td>que vous soyez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they </td>
        <td>que ils/elles soient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div> 

Some examples of using the present subjunctive form of être conjugation include:

- <i>Je veux que tu sois heureux</i> — I want you to be happy
- <i>Quelle surprise que nous soyons ici</i> — What a surprise that we are here

<h2>Other Applications of Être Conjugation</h2>

Être is considered an auxiliary verb, which means it can be used to help other verbs express tense, mood, or even voice. In this situation, être can transform other verbs into compound tenses. This is particularly important when working with <i>avoir</i> conjugations. Être can also be used with [reflexive verbs in French.](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french)

Another way to use être conjugation is as a command. These forms are the same as using être conjugated in the subjunctive form. Some examples are as follows:

- <i>sois gentil</i> — be nice!
- <i>soyez responsables</i> — be responsible!

Other verbs that are similar in usage are the [faire conjugation in French](https://www.tandem.net/blog/faire-conjugation-french) and venir conjugation.

Learning the être conjugation in French may take a little work, but with some memorization of the tables above and plenty of practice, you’ll have it down in no time. To help you solidify your understanding of this verb, and others, download Tandem today. Tandem is a unique learning language that can help you practice using core sentences with être conjugation in the past, present, and future.

Tandem offers a personalized language learning experience for members around the world looking to practice and exchange language. All you need to do is download the app, match with a native French speaker, and work on your conversation skills together. Unlike other language apps, Tandem focuses on helping members in our community create long-lasting friendships while strengthening their fluency. To join our community and practice your French, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup) today. 


Conjugating the verb être, or “to be,” is one of the most important ways to improve your French and get one step closer to fluency. This article will go over various tenses and their corresponding conjugation of être in French.

French etre conjugation, conjugate etre French, être conjugation French, etre conjugation in French


Être Conjugation

Conjugating the verb être, or “to be,” is one of the most important ways to improve your French and get one step closer to fluency.

Understanding French Conjugation for Être 


Conjugating être in French can be confusing, as there are several different ways it can be done. Each conjugation and subsequent forms of être depend on the sentence structure, the tense being used, and the overall mood.

How to Conjugate Être in French

Understanding French Conjugation for Être


Understanding verb conjugation in any language is one of the best ways to learn how to properly express yourself, describe situations, and communicate in general. In fact, it’s one of the most important concepts to learn. However, French verb conjugation can be confusing as there are several different moods, tenses, and voices that need to be portrayed depending on the situation. Many of the verbs in French are conjugated using straightforward rules, but there are some irregular ones that need to be memorized. One of the most common of these irregular verbs is <i>faire</i>, which means “to make” or “to do.” To help you master this essential verb, this article will give you everything you need to know about the conjugation of faire in French.

<h2>How to Conjugate Faire in French</h2>

There are several possibilities to conjugate faire in French, each of which depends on the tense or mood of the sentence. Although the number of possibilities can seem overwhelming, faire is one of the very versatile (and essential) [French verbs](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french). The same applies to venir conjugation in French. Take your time when learning [French conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation) and make sure you practice regularly to help solidify the different variations.

<h3>Faire Conjugated in the Present</h3>

Conjugating faire in the present tense is actually the most irregular form of the verb, so it’s a good place to begin. Plus, present tense is one of the most essential tenses for communication, so mastering this first is recommended. You can see the various present tense faire conjugations in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I make/do</td>
        <td>je fais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you make/do (singular)</td>
        <td>tu fais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it makes/does</td>
        <td>il/ella/on fait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we make/do</td>
        <td>nous faisons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you make/do (plural)</td>
        <td>vous faites</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they make/do (masculine/feminine)</td>
        <td>ils/elles font</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using present tense faire conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je fais la vaisselle</i> — I’m doing the dishes
- <i>Il fait le lit</i> — He makes the bed
- <i>Qu’est-ce que tu fais?</i> — What are you doing?

You can also attach the infinitive verb of faire to the end of a phrase to use it in the present progressive. This describes an activity that’s ongoing in the current moment. It’s combined with different versions of être conjugation and the connector “en train de.” The sentence structure would therefore be: present tense conjugation of être (to be) + en train de + faire

<h3>Compound Past Faire Conjugation</h3>

The compound past tense is also referred to as the simple past and it’s used to describe something that already happened. You’ll need to use the French auxiliary verb avoir (to have) and the past participle of faire, which is <i>fait</i>. In this situation, the auxiliary verb avoir will be conjugated, but faire is always used in the past participle form. Refer to the table below for a better understanding of this.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Compound Past Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>ai fait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>as fait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>a fait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>avons fait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>avez fait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ont fait</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using compound past tense of faire in a sentence include:

- <i>J’ai fait la vaiselle </i> — I did the dishes
- <i>Il a fait le lit</i> — He made the bed
- <i>Qu’est-ce que tu as fait?</i> — What did you do?

<h3>Imperfect French Faire Conjugation</h3>

The imperfect tense in French is used to describe ongoing actions or continuous events that happened in the past and have come to an end. This changes the verb translation to “used to” or “was/were.” This version of faire conjugation is fairly regular, which you can see in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Imperfect Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I used to/was</td>
        <td>je faisais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you used to/were (singular)</td>
        <td>tu faisais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it used to/was</td>
        <td>il/ella/on faisait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we used to/were</td>
        <td>nous faisions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you used to/were (plural)</td>
        <td>vous faisiez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they used to/were</td>
        <td>ils/ellas faisaient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of imperfect faire conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je faisais la vaisselle</i> — I was doing the dishes
- <i>Il faisait le lit</i> — He was making the bed
- <i>Qu’est-ce que tu faisais?</i> — What were you doing?

<h3>Faire Conjugated for Simple Future Use</h3>

When you want to talk about things that will happen in the future, you’ll use the simple future faire conjugation. The best way to practice past, present, and future tenses is to match with a native French speaker and talk about your life! To find a like-minded individual with whom you can practice your fluency with, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. You can also review the future faire conjugation in French below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Simple Future Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I will</td>
        <td>je ferai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will (singular)</td>
        <td>tu feras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it will</td>
        <td>il/elle/on fera</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we will</td>
        <td>nous ferons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you will (plural)</td>
        <td>vous ferez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they will</td>
        <td>ils/elles feront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of simple future faire conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je ferai la vaisselle</i> — I will do the dishes
- <i>Il fera le lit</i> — He will make the bed
- <i>Qu’est-ce que tu feras?</i> — What will you do?

<h3>Near Future Faire Conjugation</h3>

However, if you plan to speak about something in the near future, you’ll need to use a different conjugation. This is similar to saying “I am going to + verb” in English. In French, you’ll combine the infinitive verb faire with aller conjugation (to go) to form the near future present. You can review this in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Near Future Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I am going to</td>
        <td>vais faire</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you are going to (singular)</td>
        <td>vas faire</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it is going to</td>
        <td>va faire</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we are going to</td>
        <td>allons faire</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you are going to (plural)</td>
        <td>allez faire</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they are going to</td>
        <td>vont faire</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of near future faire conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je vais faire la vaisselle</i> — I am going to do the dishes
- <i>Il va faire le lit</i> — He is going to make the bed
- <i>Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire?</i> — What are you going to do?

<h3>Conditional French Conjugation of Faire</h3>

Conditional tenses in French are used when you want to talk about something that <i>might</i> happen. It’s used in the hypothetical sense. In English, this is most closely compared to as “would + verb” as indicated in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Conditional Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I would</td>
        <td>je ferais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you would (singular)</td>
        <td>tu ferais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it would</td>
        <td>ils/elles/on ferait</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we would</td>
        <td>nous ferions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you would (plural)</td>
        <td>vous feriez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they would</td>
        <td>ils/elles feraient</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using conditional faire conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je ferais la vaisselle si j'avais le temps</i> — I would do the dishes if I had time

- <i>Il ferait son lit s'il le voulait</i> — He would make his bed if he wanted to
- <i>Qu'est-ce que tu ferais si tu étais immortel? i> — What would you do if you were immortal?

<h3>Present Subjunctive French Faire Conjugation</h3>

The present subjunctive form of faire in French is used to describe uncertain events. This is used with the subjunctive mood, which is commonly used to express possibility, requests, doubt, and uncertainty. Most often, faire comes after the conjunction “que.” Consider these uses in the table below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Present Subjunctive Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>Que je fasse</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>Que tu fasses</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>Qu’ils/Elles/On fasse</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we </td>
        <td>Que nous fassions</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>Que vous fassiez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>Qu’ils/Elles fassent</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Some examples of using present subjunctive faire conjugation in a sentence include:

- <i>Je veux que je fasse quelque chose la vaisselle</i> — I want to do something about the dishes
- <i>Il demande que vous fassiez le lit</i> — He asks that you make the bed

<h2>Understanding Faire Conjugation with Imperatives</h2>

Imperatives are used if you want to make a command or express an order. They can be either positive or negative depending on the situation. There are three different forms for imperative faire conjugation, as shown in the tables below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Positive Imperative Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu fais</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous faisons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous faites</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th colspan="2">Negative Imperative Faire Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu ne fais pas</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous ne faisons pas</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous ne faites pas</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

<h2>How to Use Faire Conjugation in Idioms</h2>

Conjugation of faire in French is also used in several different idiomatic expressions and to describe everyday activities. These can be combined with French adjectives to form even more complex sentences. This means it may not be a direct word-for-word translation, like many sentences in French. Some examples include sports, hobbies, emotions, chores, and even the weather. Explore these uses of faire conjugations below.

- <i>Il fait froid dehors</i> — It’s cold outside
- <i>Il fait du soleil aujourd’hui</i> — It’s sunny today
- <i>Faire du sport</i> — to do sports
- <i>Il fait du sport</i> — He plays sports
- <i>Faire bon accueil</i> — to welcome
- <i>Faire une bêtise<i> — to do something stupid
- <i>Le chat fait miaou<i> — the cat says/goes meow
- <i>Vous le faites rire</i> — You make him laugh

Mastering faire conjugation in French can be tricky, but it’s one of the most important verbs to learn. Since you’ll be using it in many of your sentences, practicing various tenses is a big step towards fluency. Take your time, work on memorization, and apply each form of faire in different conversations. You can practice using one core sentence and changing the form of faire for moods/tenses, like we did in the examples above.

To complement your learning process and help you solidify understanding, Tandem is here to help. Tandem offers a personalized language learning experience for people around the world. You’ll download the app, match with a native French speaker, and work on your conversation skills together. This is a great way to continue advancing on the path to French fluency.

Unlike other language learning apps, Tandem is rooted in the idea of building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. Who knows, you may even find a new best friend! To join our community and work on your fluency, sign up for [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. 


French verb conjugation can be confusing as there are several different moods, tenses, and voices that need to be portrayed depending on the situation. To help you master this essential verb, this article will give you everything you need to know.

faire conjugation, faire conjugated, conjugation of faire in french, french faire conjugation, french conjugation faire

Faire conjugation

To help you master French verb conjugation, this article will give you everything you need to know about the conjugation of faire in French.

Everything You Need to Know About Faire Conjugation in French

conjugation of faire in french, french faire conjugation, french conjugation faire


Faire French conjugation

There are several possibilities to conjugate faire in French, each of which depends on the tense or mood of the sentence. Although the number of possibilities can seem overwhelming, faire is one of the very versatile (and essential) French verbs.

How to Conjugate Faire in French

Conjugation of faire in French is also used in several different idiomatic expressions and to describe everyday activities. These can be combined with French adjectives to form even more complex sentences.

How to Use Faire Conjugation in Idioms

As with many languages, one of the most tedious parts of working towards fluency is mastering the art of conjugation. This is especially true in French. You need to understand how to conjugate French verbs if you plan to hold a conversation with anyone, or grasp what they’re saying in return. That’s because verb conjugation gives you pertinent information regarding who or what is doing something and when they’re doing it. 

Although many French verbs are conjugated using straightforward rules based on mood and tense, irregular verbs do exist and there are several different forms to memorize. All in all, learning French verb conjugation is going to take some practice. Luckily, this article will help simplify the process and get you one step closer to French language fluency.

<h2>Understanding the Elements of French Verb Conjugation</h2>

There are five primary elements of French verb conjugation: person, number, tense, mood, and voice. Typically, person and number are intrinsically related, as they describe who or what is doing something. This can be either in first, second, or third person and either singular or plural.

Tense is also an important element of French verb conjugation that’s used to describe when something is happening. This could either be past, present, or future. Some tenses of French verbs are easier to conjugate than others, but many still follow grammatical rules.

The mood and voice of [French verb conjugations](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french) are a bit more complicated, so for the sake of this article we’ll omit them for now. Instead, we’ll focus on verb conjugation in French indicative forms of past, present, future, which are the most commonly used in language.

Together with some creative French adjectives, you’ll be able to put together complex sentences and communicate with other speakers.

![French Verbs Conjugation](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5H4tAbZq7HvTXabxNYWtAN/cc64e475822ddd5f011ac41f89021a3f/French_Reflexive_Verbs-3-min.jpg)

<h2>How to Conjugate -er Verbs in French</h2>

French verbs ending in -er are the most common and are considered regular for conjugation purposes. Regardless, complementing your practice with a unique language learning experience is a great way to help solidify your knowledge of French verb conjugation. To match with a native speaker and get an insider’s scoop on the intricate world of French verbs, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup) today.

In the meantime, learning how to conjugate -er verbs in French follows some straightforward rules. The table below indicates how to conjugate the regular -er verb in French <i>aimer</i> (to like/love) in the past, present, and future tenses.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation </th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <td>I</td>
      <td>j’aimai</td>
      <td>j’aime</td>
      <td>j’aime</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu aimas</td>
        <td>tu aimes</td>
        <td>tu aimeras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>il aima</td>
        <td>il aime</td>
        <td>il aimera</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous aimâmes</td>
        <td>nous aimons</td>
        <td>nous aimerons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous aimâtes</td>
        <td>vous aimez</td>
        <td>vous aimerez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ilsaimèrent</td>
        <td>ils aiment</td>
        <td>ils aimeront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Any regular -er verb in French will be conjugated using the table above for these tenses. There are additional forms of conjugation for more complicated moods and voices, but before moving on to those it’s crucial to have a strong grasp of the basics.

It's also important to understand <i>aller</i> conjugation, as it’s one of the most frequently used verbs in French. This is an irregular verb that means “to go.” Consider the conjugation for past, present, and future <i>aller</i> below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation </th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>j’allai</td>
        <td>je vais</td>
        <td>j’irai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu allas</td>
        <td>tu vas</td>
        <td>tu iras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>il alla</td>
        <td>il va</td>
        <td>il ira</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous allâmes</td>
        <td>nous allons</td>
        <td>nous irons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous allâtes</td>
        <td>vous allez</td>
        <td>vous irez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ils allèrent</td>
        <td>ils vont</td>
        <td>ils iront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

Other irregular -er French verbs include <i>envoyer</i> and <i>renvoyer</i>.  

![French Verbs Conjugation](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6cxWT76ZAxWI7h0hOxqdBY/f7b83709ed8c7716bccd2e7c2f3bc268/French_Reflexive_Verbs-4-min.jpg)
<h2>How to Conjugate -ir Verbs in French</h2>

French verbs ending in -ir are the second most common group of regular verbs in the French language and many of them also follow more “traditional” conjugation rules. The table below indicates how to conjugate the regular -ir verb in French <i>finir</i> (to finish) in the past, present, and future tenses.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation </th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>je finis</td>
        <td>je finis</td>
        <td>je finirai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu finis</td>
        <td>tu finis</td>
        <td>tu finiras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>il finit</td>
        <td>il finit</td>
        <td>il finira</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous finîmes</td>
        <td>nous finissons</td>
        <td>nous finirons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous finîtes</td>
        <td>vous finissez</td>
        <td>vous finirez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ils finirent</td>
        <td>ils finissent</td>
        <td>ils finiront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

There are also a few irregular -ir verbs in French that do not follow the same conjugation rules. One of the most commonly used ones is <i>venir</i>, which means “to come.” To better understand these differences, consider the <i>venir</i> conjugation below in the past, present, and future form.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation </th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>je vins</td>
        <td>je viens</td>
        <td>je viendrai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu vins</td>
        <td>tu viens</td>
        <td>tu viendras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>il vint</td>
        <td>il vient</td>
        <td>il viendra</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous vînmes</td>
        <td>nous venons</td>
        <td>nous viendrons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous vîntes</td>
        <td>vous venez</td>
        <td>vous viendrez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ils vinrent</td>
        <td>ils viennent</td>
        <td>ils viendront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

<h2>How to Conjugate ‘re’ Verbs in French</h2>

This is a more complex French verb conjugation group that includes verbs ending in -ir with the gerund ending in -ant, verbs ending in -oir, and verbs ending in -re. These verbs are considered irregular and will not follow specific rules. Like the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet), the best way to learn these is through memorization and practice.

To give you an example, consider the French word <i>faire</i>, which most commonly means “to do” or “to make.” This is a very versatile verb that has several meanings. To understand how to use it in conversation, consider the following table outlining <i>faire</i> conjugation in the past, present, and future.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
      <thead>
      <tbody>
        <tr>
          <td>I</td>
          <td>je fis</td>
          <td>je fais</td>
          <td>je ferai</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
          <td>you (singular)</td>
          <td>tu fis</td>
          <td>tu fais</td>
          <td>tu feras</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
          <td>he/she/it</td>
          <td>il fit</td>
          <td>il fait</td>
          <td>il fera</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
          <td>we</td>
          <td>nous fimes</td>
          <td>nous faisons</td>
          <td>nous ferons</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
          <td>you (plural)</td>
          <td>vous fites</td>
          <td>vous faites</td>
          <td>vous ferez</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
          <td>they</td>
          <td>ils firent</td>
          <td>ils font</td>
          <td>ils feront</td>
        </tr>
      </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

<H2>How to Conjugate Auxiliary Verbs in French</H2>

Finally, auxiliary verbs in French don’t really belong to any other category, but are absolutely critical for frequently used verb tenses. The two auxiliary verbs in French are <i>avoir</i> and <i>être</i>. <i>Avoir</i> means “to have,” while <i>être</i> means “to be.” Let’s examine both.

This table shows the past, present, and future French verb conjugations for the verb <i>avoir</i>.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <th>I</th>
        <td>j’eus</td>
        <td>j’ai</td>
        <td>j’aurai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu eus</td>
        <td>tu as</td>
        <td>tu auras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>il eut</td>
        <td>il a</td>
        <td>il aura</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous eûmes</td>
        <td>nous avons</td>
        <td>nous aurons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous eûtes</td>
        <td>vous avez</td>
        <td>vous aurez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ils eurent</td>
        <td>ils ont</td>
        <td>ils auront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

This table shows <i>être</i> conjugation in French forms of the past, present, and future tense.

<div class="table-wrapper">
  <table>
    <thead>
      <tr>
        <th>English Pronoun</th>
        <th>Past French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Present French Verb Conjugation</th>
        <th>Future French Verb Conjugation</th>
      </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
      <tr>
        <td>I</td>
        <td>je fus</td>
        <td>je suis</td>
        <td>je serai</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (singular)</td>
        <td>tu fus</td>
        <td>tu es</td>
        <td>tu seras</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>he/she/it</td>
        <td>il fut</td>
        <td>il est</td>
        <td>il sera</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>we</td>
        <td>nous fûmes</td>
        <td>nous sommes</td>
        <td>nous serons</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>you (plural)</td>
        <td>vous fûtes</td>
        <td>vous êtes</td>
        <td>vous serez</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>they</td>
        <td>ils furent</td>
        <td>ils sont</td>
        <td>ils seront</td>
      </tr>
    </tbody>
  </table>
</div>

When you learn how to conjugate French verbs, you open up a whole new experience of language learning. Although it may seem a little overwhelming, the important thing is to take your time and practice as much as possible. To help, Tandem offers a unique community of language learners across the world. Through our personalized language learning experience, you’ll match with native French speakers and continue practicing your French verb conjugations in a variety of new conversational settings. Not only will this give you the chance to apply your newly learned conjugations, but it also allows for feedback from a native as necessary. This is a great way to adapt and take one step closer to French fluency. Plus, Tandem is rooted in the idea of building long-lasting friendships within our tight knit community, so you may even have a new reason to visit France in person! 

All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.tandem.net%2Fen%2Fsignup) today. 


This article will help simplify the process and get you one step closer to French language fluency by teaching you how to conjugate French verbs.

 conjugate french verbs, french verbs conjugation, how to conjugate er verbs in french, how to conjugate an er verb in french, how to conjugate ir verbs in french

French Verbs Conjugation

Learn French Verb Conjugation

 conjugate french verbs, french verbs conjugation, how to conjugate er verbs in french, how to conjugate an er verb in french, how to conjugate ir verbs in french,

This is a more complex French verb conjugation group that includes verbs ending in -ir with the gerund ending in -ant, verbs ending in -oir, and verbs ending in -re. These verbs are considered irregular and will not follow specific rules. Like the French alphabet, the best way to learn these is through memorization and practice.

How to Conjugate ‘re’ Verbs in French

French verbs ending in -er are the most common and are considered regular for conjugation purposes. Regardless, complementing your practice with a unique language learning experience is a great way to help solidify your knowledge of French verb conjugation.

How to Conjugate -er Verbs in French

Although many French verbs are conjugated using straightforward rules based on mood and tense, irregular verbs do exist and there are several different forms to memorize.

How to Learn French Verb Conjugation

This is a more complex French verb conjugation group that includes verbs ending in -ir with the gerund ending in -ant, verbs ending in -oir, and verbs ending in -re. These verbs are considered irregular and will not follow specific rules.

When you first begin to learn French, chances are you’ll focus on memorizing some grammar, learning the alphabet, and working on your pronunciation. However, in order to truly advance towards fluency, you’ll need to master French reflexive verbs. Although these often give new learners a little bit of a headache, they’re indispensable if you want to have any type of basic conversation in French.

They can be used to describe several parts of your day and are often the most essential part of language learning if you want to discuss topics that will advance your communication. To help, this article will provide you with more information on how to learn reflexive verbs.

<h2>What is a Reflexive Verb in French?</h2>

A French reflexive verb is a type of verb that’s used to describe situations where someone or something is doing an action to itself. They can be used to describe anything from the process of your morning routine to your sadness after watching a movie. Reflexive verbs in French are always paired with a reflexive pronoun, which is chosen based on who or what the subject is. Your options when using reflexive pronouns with different reflexive French verbs include:

<div class="table-wrapper">
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>English</th>
                <th>Reflexive Pronoun</th>
                <th>Subject for French Reflexive Verb</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>myself</td>
                <td>me or m’</td>
                <td>je</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>yourself</td>
                <td>te or t’</td>
                <td>tu</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>himself</td>
                <td>se or s’</td>
                <td>il</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>herself</td>
                <td>se or s’</td>
                <td>ella</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>oneself (singular)
                    ourselves (plural)
                </td>
                <td>se or s’</td>
                <td>on</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>ourselves</td>
                <td>nous</td>
                <td>nous</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>yourself (singular)
                    yourselves (plural)
                </td>
                <td>vous</td>
                <td>vous</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>themselves</td>
                <td>se or s’</td>
                <td>ils or elles</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

Again, when using these in a sentence, a reflexive pronoun is always used with a reflexive verb in French. Some examples of this include:

- me – <i>je me vois</i> (I see myself)
- nous - <i>nous nous voyons</i> (we see ourselves)
- se – <i>il/elle se voit</i> (he/she sees himself/herself)

You will use the shortened version of a reflexive pronoun (m’, t’, s’) in a sentence if it comes before a vowel or an unaspirated ‘h’. If you need to express something in a negative form, you simply insert “ne” between the subject pronoun and reflexive pronoun.  

Using any type of French verbs is an integral part of speaking like a native, but reflexive verbs are of the utmost importance. In fact, reflexive verbs in French are so common that it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get a few sentences into a conversation without either using them or hearing them. To help you get started on some basic understanding, consider the following list of common French reflexive verbs used in language. You’ll notice that many of these are [French “er” verbs](https://www.tandem.net/blog/faire-conjugation-french), which will make conjugation a little easier later on in your language lessons.

<div class="table-wrapper">
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>French Reflexive Verb</th>
                <th>English Translation</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>s’adjoindre</td>
                <td>to take on</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’apprêter</td>
                <td>to get ready</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’approacher de</td>
                <td>to approach</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’asseoir</td>
                <td>to sit down</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se baigner</td>
                <td>to bathe, swim</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se coucher</td>
                <td>to go to bed</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se dépêcher</td>
                <td>to hurry</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se doucher</td>
                <td>to take a shower</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’effrayer</td>
                <td>to be frightened</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’endormir</td>
                <td>to fall asleep</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’énerver</td>
                <td>to get annoyed</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se fâcher</td>
                <td>to get angry</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se fatiguer</td>
                <td>to get tired</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’imaginer</td>
                <td>to imagine</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s’intéresser à</td>
                <td>to be interested in</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se lever</td>
                <td>to get up</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se moucher</td>
                <td>to blow one’s nose</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se précipitier</td>
                <td>to rush, quicken</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se promener</td>
                <td>to take a walk</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se régaler</td>
                <td>to enjoy oneself, have a good meal</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se regarder</td>
                <td>to look at oneself</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se relaxer</td>
                <td>to relax</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se reposer</td>
                <td>to rest</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se réveiller</td>
                <td>to wake up</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se soûler</td>
                <td>to get drunk</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>se taire</td>
                <td>to be quiet</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

![French Reflexive Verbs](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/5J2eb3mJeS6tEULFXALL9f/73f1cade640b7c879202b7d5e7496834/French_Reflexive_Verbs.jpg)

<h2>How Do Reflexive Verbs Work in French?</h2>

Reflexive verbs in French are used to describe an action that is done to, or reflects back on the subject. This can be either literally or metaphorically, which is why they tend to be a bit more difficult for native English speakers to learn. One of the best ways to help you expedite your journey to fluency is to try not to compare French reflexive verbs to their English counterparts. Although the [French alphabet](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-alphabet) is basically identical, word usage and sentence structure cannot be mirrored for direct translation. When you directly translate them, their meaning can get skewed or seem a bit unusual. 

Instead, try to think of expressions you use with reflexive verbs in French as almost a type of pre-set phrase or chunk of language. This can help improve your memorization and lead to smoother conversations. Taking this approach can also strengthen your ability to combine reflexive verbs with [French adjectives](https://www.tandem.net/blog/demonstrative-adjectives-french).

<h2>Different Types of Reflexive French Verbs</h2>

There are three distinct types of reflexive verbs in French that can be used in your communication. To help you practice with each, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today and match with a native French speaker. In the meantime, use the following information to help you distinguish between each reflexive verb type in French.

<h3>French Reflexive Verb Type 1: Actions Done to Yourself</h3>

These types of reflexive French verbs are used to describe any type of action that you might be doing to yourself (or the subject is doing to themselves). Reflexive pronouns need to be included each time, making the word for word translation a bit awkward in some phrases. For example:

- <i>vous vous lavez la tête</i> — you wash your hair

However, if you were to translate this word for word it would actually be, “you wash yourselves the head.” Doesn’t make much sense when you do that, does it? Try to get used to thinking about it with a French mindset to make things easier.

<h3>French Reflexive Verb Type 2: Emotional Descriptions</h3>

The next type of reflexive verbs you’ll use in French are those that help portray emotions, or abstract actions. These don’t really reflect back on you in the same way as physical actions, but they do affect your emotional/mental state, so it makes sense. For example:

- <i>je ma fâche</i> — I am becoming angry
- <i>nous nous amusons</i> — we are having fun

<h3>French Reflexive Verb Type 3: Just Because</h3>

This type of reflexive verb is a little more random, as there’s not really a rhyme or reason to it aside from, that’s the way it is. They’re a little more complex, because the grammatical rules aren't set in stone, so don’t worry if you struggle with them at first. The best way to remember verbs that must be reflexive is to practice and memorize situations where you see reflexive verbs.  

As you can see, some situations where you could use a French reflexive verb don’t even exist in English. As we mentioned before, try to focus on <b>avoiding direct translations</b> when you’re learning this beautiful language, as it can end up complicating the entire process! Instead, focus on practicing with a native language to get the feel of how conversations flow, which verbs are used in different situations, and how to improve your native accent.

![nosiuol-29qzifjmP34-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/4w72sfYuzyusncW9gISRQ5/102fa11f95db9b3c92711bcf75a62730/nosiuol-29qzifjmP34-unsplash.jpg)

<h2>How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs in French</h2>

Reflexive [French verb conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/reflexive-verbs-french) always needs to agree with the reflexive pronoun and the subject of each sentence. The verb conjugations follow the same rules for conjugating non-reflexive verbs depending on the tense, regularity, and any spelling or stem changes. In most instances, the reflexive pronoun generally precedes the reflexive verb.

Getting the hang of French reflexive verbs can be tricky. With Tandem, you can practice using them naturally by connecting with a native speaker from France or around the world! Using our unique community of language learners, we connect like-minded individuals who are looking to improve their fluency and make some new friends along the way. 

Unlike other language learning apps, Tandem works to help our members foster a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. With our personalized language learning experience, you can match with native speakers and continue perfecting your use of reflexive verbs in French. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. 

In order to truly advance towards fluency, you’ll need to master French reflexive verbs. To help, this article will provide you with more information on how to learn reflexive verbs.


French reflexive verbs, reflexive verbs in French, reflexive French verbs, reflexive verbs French





French Reflexive Verbs

To truly advance towards fluency, you’ll need to master French reflexive verbs. To help, this article will provide you with information on how to learn reflexive verbs.


How to Learn French Reflexive Verbs

French reflexive verbs, reflexive verbs in French, reflexive French verbs, reflexive verbs French


French reflexive verbs

A French reflexive verb is a type of verb that’s used to describe situations where someone or something is doing an action to itself.

What is a Reflexive Verb in French?

Reflexive verbs in French are used to describe an action that is done to, or reflects back on the subject. This can be either literally or metaphorically, which is why they tend to be a bit more difficult for native English speakers to learn

How Do Reflexive Verbs Work in French?

Reflexive French verb conjugation always needs to agree with the reflexive pronoun and the subject of each sentence

How to Conjugate Reflexive Verbs in French

French is a beautiful language that’s adored by people across the globe. However, if you want to learn how to speak like the natives, you need to start at the beginning. As you begin your journey towards fluency in French, one of the first things you’ll need to do is learn the alphabet. Luckily, the French alphabet is pretty straightforward and actually has the same 26 letters as the English alphabet! This can make things a bit easier to memorize, but French alphabet pronunciation still requires some practice. That’s why we put together this article to help you better understand how to write, spell, and pronounce the letters in the French alphabet.

<h2>The French Alphabet from A to Z</h2>

As mentioned, like the English alphabet, the French alphabet has 26 letters from A to Z. It’s also based on the Latin alphabet, so native speakers of other languages can easily adapt to the changes. For each of the letters in the French alphabet and their corresponding name, refer to the table below:

<div class="table-wrapper">
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>French Letter</th>
                <th>Name of French Letter</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>A</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">a</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>B</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">bé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>C</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">cé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>D</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">dé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>E</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">e</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>F</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">effe</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>G</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">gé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>H</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ache</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>I</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">i</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>J</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ji</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>K</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ka</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>L</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">elle</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>M</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">emme</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>N</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">enne</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>O</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">o</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>P</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">pé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Q</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">qu</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>R</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">erre</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>S</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">esse</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>T</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">té</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>U</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">u</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>V</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">vé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>W</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">double vé</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>X</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ixe</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Y</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">i grec</cite></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Z</td>
                <td><cite lang="fr">zéde</cite></td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

While you might think that this means you don’t need to work on learning the alphabet in French, it’s still an important step in fluency and learning different French adjectives, nouns, and verbs. Plus, the pronunciation varies greatly from English, so you need to practice to perfect your French accent. Letters are also used in several ways in France and the language as a whole. This is especially true when you think about all of the acronyms used in French. For example, one of the most common ones that you may experience if you’re ever in the country is SNCF, which stands for the <i>société nationale des chemins de fer</i> (the national train company).

![French Alphabet](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6ywPTJT67AcPDN0dgC350r/cdea2c54a6fd6d6e6389cd4e6997ec32/French_Alphabet-2-min.jpg)

<h3>French Alphabet Variations</h3>

In addition to the 26 letters, there are also about 14 different variants and two French ligatures. These variations are listed in the chart below.

<div class="table-wrapper">
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>French Variation</th>
                <th>Name of Variation</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">à</cite></td>
                <td>a with an accent grave (grave)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">â</cite></td>
                <td>a with an accent circonflexe (circumflex)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ç</cite></td>
                <td>cédille (cedilla)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">é</cite></td>
                <td>e with an accent aigu (acute)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">è</cite></td>
                <td>e with an accent grave</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ê</cite></td>
                <td>e with an accent circonflexe</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">î</cite></td>
                <td>i with an accent circonflexe</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ï</cite></td>
                <td>i with an accent tréma (trema</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ô</cite></td>
                <td>o with an accent circonflexe</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ù</cite></td>
                <td>u with an accent grave</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">ü</cite></td>
                <td>u with an accent tréma</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">û</cite></td>
                <td>u with an accent circonflexe</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">Ÿ</cite></td>
                <td>y with an accent tréma</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">æ</cite></td>
                <td>blending of the letters a and e</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td><cite lang="fr">œ</cite></td>
                <td>blending of the letters o and e</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

![French Alphabet](//images.ctfassets.net/2j65dwz7bf88/6FUriQApcPPneRbivnJDzP/ea839cbcce69a655950f1bd264b3dc72/French_Alphabet-min.jpg)

<h2>French Alphabet Pronunciation</h2>

The alphabet in French is pronounced using a unique set of phonetics. Many of the letters don’t sound the same as their English counterparts. Luckily, with a little bit of practice, your French alphabet pronunciation will start to sound like a native. To help you get there, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today and match with a French speaker from around the world. For additional help, especially when performing [French conjugation](https://www.tandem.net/blog/french-verb-conjugation), you can easily refer to the following chart:

<div class="table-wrapper">
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>French Alphabet</th>
                <th>French Alphabet Pronunciation</th>
                <th>How the Letter Sounds When Used in Language</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>a</td>
                <td>ahh</td>
                <td>like opening your mouth at the dentist</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>b</td>
                <td>bah</td>
                <td>like the “b” in bee</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>c</td>
                <td>say</td>
                <td>like the “s” in hiss</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>d</td>
                <td>day</td>
                <td>like the word “day”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>e</td>
                <td>euh</td>
                <td>like the “u” in burner</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>f</td>
                <td>eff</td>
                <td>like the “f” in fog</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>g</td>
                <td>jhay</td>
                <td>like “su” in measure (sounds like “j”)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>h</td>
                <td>ahsh</td>
                <td>like saying ahh, but ending it with shh</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>i</td>
                <td>ee</td>
                <td>like the “ea” in teacher</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>j</td>
                <td>jhee</td>
                <td>kind of like the English “g”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>k</td>
                <td>kahh</td>
                <td>like the “k” in kin</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>l</td>
                <td>el</td>
                <td>like the English “l”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>m</td>
                <td>ehmm</td>
                <td>like the English “m”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>n</td>
                <td>ehnn</td>
                <td>like the English “n”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>o</td>
                <td>ohh</td>
                <td>like the “o” in hot</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>p</td>
                <td>pay</td>
                <td>like the “p” in paper</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>q</td>
                <td>coo</td>
                <td>like the “k” in kin</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>r</td>
                <td>aihr</td>
                <td>like saying “air” with a throaty ending</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>s</td>
                <td>ess</td>
                <td>when it’s at the beginning of a word, it’s like the “s” in stand/when it’s in the middle of a word,
                    it’s like the “z” in amazing </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>t</td>
                <td>tay</td>
                <td>like the “t” in tower</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>u</td>
                <td>oo</td>
                <td>like when you say the letter “e” while forming the shape to say oo with your lips</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>v</td>
                <td>vay</td>
                <td>like the “v” in volume</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>w</td>
                <td>doo-bluh-vay</td>
                <td>like the “w” in wash</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>x</td>
                <td>exx</td>
                <td>like the “x” in exit</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>y</td>
                <td>e-grayk</td>
                <td>Like the “ea” in leap</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>z</td>
                <td>zed</td>
                <td>like the “z” in zip</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

There are also unique pronunciations for the variants in the French language. When referring to the chart in the section above, you can see that most of them are either an accent aigu, accent grave, accent circonflexe, accent tréma, or accent cédille. This is how you can differentiate the changes in pronunciation. Refer to the following table for more information:

<div class="table-wrapper">
    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>Name of French Variation</th>
                <th>How Pronunciation Changes</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>Accent Aigu</td>
                <td>the “e” sounds more like “ay”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Accent Grave</td>
                <td>the “e” changes to “eh”</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Accent Circonflexe</td>
                <td>pronunciation depends on the letter and coinciding word</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Accent Tréma</td>
                <td>put stress on a vowel that’s next to another</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>Accent Cédille</td>
                <td>pronounced like softer “c”</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

<h2>French Alphabet Song</h2>

The changes in pronunciation of the French alphabet can make learning more challenging, which is why we recommend practicing with the French alphabet song! While it might feel a little like you’re regressing back to your childhood, it’s been shown that adding rhythm and a catchy tune can boost recall and give you a stronger base for practicing more complex words like French verbs. You can find a few examples of our favorite versions of the French alphabet song below.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5xuZxGirWQI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<h2>French Alphabet Game</h2>

There are also several French alphabet games that you can play to help you learn the different pronunciations. Plus, playing games creates a fun learning environment that can help you increase your desire to actually want to study while simultaneously boosting recall of French alphabet pronunciation! You can host a spelling bee with your friends or use other online resources to make a game out of any study situation. You can also play any French alphabet games with your language exchange partner to get feedback from a native speaker and tips on how to speak with a more natural French accent.

To work on your French alphabet pronunciation and more, join Tandem’s unique community of language learners across the world. Using our personalized language learning experience, you can match with native French speakers and continue perfecting your use of the French alphabet in real-life situations. Play games or exchange in useful conversation to help you build your vocabulary and improve recall.

Tandem works to help our members foster a deeper understanding of language while improving fluency and building long-lasting friendships. All you need to do is sign up, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. To join our community and work on your fluency, [sign up for Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) today. 

We put together this article to help you better understand how to write, spell, and pronounce the letters in the French alphabet.

the french alphabet, french alphabet, alphabet in french, french alphabet pronunciation, french alphabet song

French Alphabet

The French alphabet has 26 letters from A to Z. We put together this article to help you better understand how to write, spell, and pronounce the letters.

How to Learn the French Alphabet

This article is about: the french alphabet, french alphabet, alphabet in french, french alphabet pronunciation, french alphabet song

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Welcome to the Tandem blog: your one-stop shop for all the latest news and resources from the coolest language exchange app in the world!!

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