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

Introduction to the verb calfater

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The English translation of the French verb “calfater” is “to caulk.” The infinitive form of “calfater” is pronounced as [kal.fa.te].

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“Calfater” originates from the Middle Dutch word “kalveten,” meaning to caulk a ship. In everyday French, it is commonly used in the field of construction or maritime activities.

Je vais calfater les joints de la salle de bains.
(I am going to caulk the bathroom joints.)
Le menuisier doit calfater les fenêtres pour éviter les fuites d’air.
(The carpenter needs to caulk the windows to prevent air leaks.)
Nous avons calfaté la coque du bateau pour empêcher l’eau de s’infiltrer.
(We caulked the boat hull to prevent water infiltration.)

Calfater – 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 calfater

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	calfate	Je calfate le navire.	I caulk the ship.
tu	calfates	Tu calfates les planches.	You caulk the planks.
il	calfate	Il calfate le bateau.	He caulks the boat.
elle	calfate	Elle calfate la coque.	She caulks the hull.
on	calfate	On calfate les fissures.	One caulks the cracks.
nous	calfatons	Nous calfatons les joints.	We caulk the joints.
vous	calfatez	Vous calfatez les coutures.	You caulk the seams.
ils	calfatent	Ils calfatent les fuites.	They caulk the leaks. (masculine)
elles	calfatent	Elles calfatent les fissures.	They caulk the cracks. (feminine)