Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb bailler

Introduction to the verb bailler

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The English translation of the French verb “bailler” is “to give” or “to hand over.” The infinitive form “bailler” is pronounced as “bai-yer.”

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The verb “bailler” is derived from the Latin word “bāiulāre,” meaning “to carry” or “to bear.” In everyday French, “bailler” is mainly used to express the action of giving or handing over something to someone. It is often used in contexts related to offering, transferring, or donating objects, as well as giving a physical or immaterial possession.

Examples of usage:

Je vais te bailler mon livre. (I am going to give you my book.)
Le professeur a baillé les consignes aux élèves. (The teacher handed over the instructions to the students.)
Nous allons bailler notre soutien à cette association caritative. (We are going to give our support to this charity.)

Note: It is important to mention that “bailler” should not be confused with “bâiller,” which means “to yawn” in French.

Bailler – About the French Present Tense

The French present tense, also known as “le présent,” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or for actions that are habitual, general truths, or that will occur in the near future. It’s the most basic and common tense in French.

To take a deep dive into all the French tenses then see our article on Mastering French Tense Conjugation.

Common Everyday Usage Patterns For Le Present

1. Describing Actions in the Present: The present tense is used to describe actions happening right now or at the moment of speaking. For example: “Je parle avec mon ami” (I am talking to my friend).

2. Expressing Habits and Routines: The present tense is used to talk about habitual actions or routines. For example: “Je travaille tous les jours” (I work every day).

3. Stating General Truths: The present tense is used to express general truths or facts. For example: “La Terre tourne autour du soleil” (The Earth orbits around the sun).

4. Talking about Near Future: The present tense can be used to express future actions that are very imminent or part of a planned schedule. For example: “Je pars demain matin” (I am leaving tomorrow morning).

Interactions with Other Tenses

– Present vs. Future Tense: In some cases, the French present tense can be used to express the future when the context makes it clear that the action is imminent. However, for actions further in the future or less certain, the future tense is typically used.

– Present vs. Past Tenses: To describe actions that occurred in the past, you would use the past tenses like the passé composé (compound past) or the imparfait (imperfect). The choice between these past tenses depends on the specific aspect and circumstances of the past action.

– Present vs. Conditional Tense: The conditional tense is used to express actions that are dependent on a condition. If a condition is met, the action may happen. The present tense is used for actions in the present, while the conditional is used for hypothetical or future actions based on conditions.

– Present vs. Imperative: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests. The present tense is used for general statements, and the imperative is used for direct orders or requests.

Understanding the French present tense and its interactions with other tenses is crucial for effective communication in French. Without it, you cannot become proficient!

Table of the Present Tense Conjugation of bailler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	baille	Je baille souvent le matin.	I yawn often in the morning.
tu	bailles	Tu bailles quand tu es fatigué.	You yawn when you’re tired.
il	baille	Il baille après une longue journée.	He yawns after a long day.
elle	baille	Elle baille pendant les cours ennuyeux.	She yawns during boring classes.
on	baille	On baille quand on a sommeil.	One yawns when one is sleepy.
nous	bâillons	Nous bâillons après un repas copieux.	We yawn after a heavy meal.
vous	baillez	Vous baillez quand vous vous ennuyez.	You yawn when you’re bored.
ils	baillent	Ils baillent avant d’aller au lit.	They yawn before going to bed. (masculine)
elles	baillent	Elles baillent pendant les réunions.	They yawn during meetings. (feminine)