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

Introduction to the verb bichoter

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The English translation of the French verb “bichoter” is “to fuss over”. The infinitive form is pronounced as “bee-sho-tay”.

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The word “bichoter” originates from the French word “bichonner”, meaning “to pamper”. It is often used in everyday French to describe someone who is excessively attentive, taking care of or pampering someone or something.

Examples:

Elle bichote toujours son fils, même s’il est adulte.
(She always fusses over her son, even though he is an adult.)
Le chef bichote ses plats avant de les servir.
(The chef fusses over his dishes before serving them.)
J’aime bien bichoter mes plantes pour qu’elles restent en bonne santé.
(I enjoy fussing over my plants to keep them healthy.)

Bichoter – 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 bichoter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	bichote	Je bichote un peu trop.	I fuss a bit too much.
tu	bichotes	Pourquoi tu bichotes autant ?	Why do you fuss so much?
il	bichote	Il bichote quand il est contrarié.	He fusses when he’s upset.
elle	bichote	Elle bichote avec ses vêtements.	She fusses with her clothes.
on	bichote	On bichote souvent pour rien.	We fuss often for no reason.
nous	bichotons	Nous bichotons avant de sortir.	We fuss before going out.
vous	bichotez	Pourquoi vous bichotez tant ?	Why do you fuss so much?
ils	bichotent	Ils bichotent sans raison.	They fuss for no reason.
elles	bichotent	Elles bichotent pour tout.	They fuss about everything.