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

Introduction to the verb bouder

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The English translation of the French verb “bouder” is “to sulk”. The infinitive form “bouder” is pronounced as “boo-day”.

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“Bouder” originates from the Old French word “boude” meaning “wrinkle” or “pout”. In everyday French, it is most often used to describe the act of sulking or pouting, typically in a childish or moody manner.

Examples:

Arrête de bouder, ça ne sert à rien. (Stop sulking, it’s pointless.)
Elle boude parce qu’elle n’a pas obtenu ce qu’elle voulait. (She’s sulking because she didn’t get what she wanted.)
Ne lui parle pas, il boude depuis hier soir. (Don’t talk to him, he’s been sulking since last night.)

Bouder – 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 bouder

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	boude	Je boude souvent quand je suis contrarié.	I often sulk when I’m upset.
Tu	boudes	Pourquoi tu boudes ?	Why are you sulking?
Il	boude	Il boude depuis hier soir.	He has been sulking since last night.
Elle	boude	Elle boude parce qu’elle n’a pas eu ce qu’elle voulait.	She is sulking because she didn’t get what she wanted.
On	boude	On boude quand on est vexé.	One sulks when one is upset.
Nous	boudons	Nous boudons cette décision.	We are sulking about this decision.
Vous	boudez	Vous boudez depuis longtemps ?	Have you been sulking for a long time?
Ils	boudent	Ils boudent leur défaite.	They are sulking about their defeat.
Elles	boudent	Elles boudent tout le temps.	They (feminine) always sulk.