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

Introduction to the verb circuler

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The English translation of the French verb “circuler” is “to circulate.” The infinitive form “circuler” is pronounced as [siʀ.ky.le].

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Originating from the Latin word “circulus” meaning “circle,” “circuler” is commonly used in everyday French to indicate the action of moving or flowing in a circular or continuous manner. It is also used in various contexts, such as transportation, communication, and information dissemination.

Examples:

Les voitures circulent sur l’autoroute.
(Cars are circulating on the highway.)
Les informations doivent circuler rapidement.
(The information needs to circulate quickly.)
On m’a demandé de faire circuler cette lettre.
(I was asked to circulate this letter.)

Circuler – 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 circuler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	circule	Je circule en voiture.	I travel by car.
tu	circules	Tu circules à vélo.	You travel by bike.
il	circule	Il circule en bus.	He travels by bus.
elle	circule	Elle circule à pied.	She travels on foot.
on	circule	On circule en métro.	One travels by subway.
nous	circulons	Nous circulons en train.	We travel by train.
vous	circulez	Vous circulez en avion.	You travel by plane.
ils	circulent	Ils circulent en voiture.	They (masculine) travel by car.
elles	circulent	Elles circulent à vélo.	They (feminine) travel by bike.