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

Introduction to the verb ciller

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The English translation of the French verb “ciller” is “to blink.” The infinitive form of “ciller” is pronounced as “see-yay.”

Ciller originates from the Old French word “ciller,” which derives from the Latin “cillare,” meaning “to blink.” It is commonly used in everyday French to refer to the action of blinking or winking.

Examples:

  1. Je ne peux pas m’empêcher de ciller lorsque la lumière est trop forte. (I can’t help blinking when the light is too bright.)
  2. Le chat a cillé avant de s’endormir. (The cat blinked before falling asleep.)
  3. Lisa cilla discrètement pour cacher sa surprise. (Lisa blinked discreetly to hide her surprise.)

Ciller – 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 ciller

Pronoun Conjugation Short Example English Translation
Je cille Je cille souvent en classe. I blink often in class.
Tu cilles Pourquoi tu cilles autant ? Why do you blink so much?
Il cille Il cille quand il est fatigué. He blinks when he is tired.
Elle cille Elle cille en regardant l’écran. She blinks while looking at the screen.
On cille On cille naturellement. One blinks naturally.
Nous cillons Nous cillons en réponse à la lumière. We blink in response to light.
Vous cillez Est-ce que vous cillez trop ? Do you blink too much?
Ils cillent Ils cillent en synchronisation. They blink in sync.
Elles cillent Elles cillent avec leurs yeux. They blink with their eyes.

Other Conjugations for Ciller.

Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb ciller (You’re reading it right now!)

Imparfait (Imperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Passé Simple (Simple Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Passé Composé (Present Perfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Futur Simple (Simple Future) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Futur Proche (Near Future) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Plus-que-parfait (Pluperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Passé Antérieur (Past Anterior) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Futur Antérieur (Future Anterior) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Subjonctif Présent (Subjunctive Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Subjonctif Passé (Subjunctive Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Subjonctif Imparfait (Subjunctive Imperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Subjonctif Plus-que-parfait (Subjunctive Pluperfect) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Conditionnel Présent (Conditional Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Conditionnel Passé (Conditional Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Conditionnel Passé II (Conditional Past II) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

L’impératif Présent (Imperative Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

L’impératif Passé (Imperative Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

L’infinitif Présent (Infinitive Present) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

L’infinitif Passé (Infinitive Past) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Le Participe Présent (Present Participle) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

Le Participe Passé (Past Participle) Tense Conjugation of the French Verb ciller

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