être

The French verb “être” is the equivalent of the English verb “to be.” It’s the most frequently used verb in the whole French language. It’s an irregular verb, which means that is doesn’t follow regular conjugation patterns. This is the present tense of être:

  • Je suis (I am)
  • Tu es (You are – singular, informal)
  • Il/Elle/On est (He/She/One is)
  • Nous sommes (We are)
  • Vous êtes (You are – plural or formal)
  • Ils/Elles sont (They are)

The verb être is used to express identity, nationality, and describing locations. Examples include:

  • Je suis étudiant(e) – I am a student.
  • Elle est française – She is French.
  • Nous sommes à la maison – We are at home.
  • Tu es au café – You are at the cafe.

“Être” is also used to convey emotions and conditions:

  • Je suis content – I am happy.
  • Il est malade – He is sick.

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • descendre

    The French verb descendre is a counterpart to monter, primarily meaning “to go down,” “to descend,” or “to get off.” Like monter, it can take either être or avoir in the passé composé, with the choice of auxiliary affecting meaning. It also carries additional contextual meanings. Main meanings of descendre 1. To go down, to…

  • penser que

    “Penser que” means “to think that” and introduces opinions, beliefs, or suppositions. Unlike “penser à” (to think about) and “penser de” (to think of/have an opinion about), “penser que” specifically introduces a complete thought or statement that the speaker believes to be true. Basic structure and meaning “Penser que” requires the subjunctive mood in negative…

  • verb: râler

    Meaning The primary meaning of the French verb “râler” is “to grumble” or “to complain.” It is used to express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or frustration, often in a vocal or audible manner. However, “râler” can take on several additional meanings depending on the context: Conjugation “Râler” belongs to the group of regular “-er” verbs, and its…

  • vouloir

    The French verb “vouloir” is a very important and frequently used verb. It means “to want.” It is often used with other verbs, eg “to want to do.” As such, it is described as an auxiliary verb, or helper verb, because it is useful when combined with other French verbs. Below are the conjugations for…

  • apprendre

    The French Verb “Apprendre” The verb apprendre means “to learn” or “to teach” in French. It is an irregular verb derived from prendre (“to take”), which influences its conjugation pattern. Meanings of Apprendre Conjugation of Apprendre Present Tense Person Conjugation Je apprends Tu apprends Il/Elle/On apprend Nous apprenons Vous apprenez Ils/Elles apprennent Passé Composé Apprendre…