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

Introduction to the verb clignoter

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The English translation of the French verb “clignoter” is “to blink” or “to flash.” The infinitive form, “clignoter,” is pronounced as “kleen-yo-tay.”

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The verb “clignoter” is derived from the French word “cligner,” meaning “to wink” or “to blink.” It is often used in everyday French to describe the action of blinking or flashing, typically referring to lights or electronic devices.

Examples:

Les feux de signalisation clignotent rapidement. (The traffic lights are flashing quickly.)
L’ampoule de la télécommande clignote pour indiquer la batterie faible. (The remote control’s light is blinking to indicate low battery.)
La LED de mon téléphone clignote en bleu quand j’ai une notification. (The LED light on my phone blinks blue when I have a notification.)

Clignoter – 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 clignoter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	clignote	Je clignote des yeux.	I am blinking my eyes.
tu	clignotes	Tu clignotes rapidement.	You are blinking quickly.
il	clignote	Il clignote de la lumière.	He is flashing the light.
elle	clignote	Elle clignote des feux de détresse.	She is flashing the hazard lights.
on	clignote	On clignote pour avertir.	One is blinking to warn.
nous	clignotons	Nous clignotons les lumières.	We are blinking the lights.
vous	clignotez	Vous clignotez souvent.	You are blinking often.
ils	clignotent	Ils clignotent des néons.	They are blinking neon lights.
elles	clignotent	Elles clignotent des cils.	They are blinking their eyelashes.