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

Introduction to the verb cliquer

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The English translation of the French verb “cliquer” is “to click.” The infinitive form “cliquer” is pronounced as “klee-kay.”

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The word “cliquer” originated from the English word “click” and was adapted into French as a neologism. It is most often used in everyday French to refer to the action of clicking a button or a mouse on a computer or other electronic device.

Examples:

Je dois cliquer sur le bouton pour démarrer l’ordinateur. (I have to click the button to start the computer.)
Pour obtenir plus d’informations, cliquez sur le lien suivant. (To get more information, click on the following link.)
Tu peux cliquer sur l’image pour l’agrandir. (You can click on the image to enlarge it.)

Cliquer – 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 cliquer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	clique	Je clique sur le lien.	I click on the link.
Tu	cliques	Tu cliques souvent.	You click often.
Il	clique	Il clique sur le bouton.	He clicks on the button.
Elle	clique	Elle clique sur la photo.	She clicks on the photo.
On	clique	On clique pour ouvrir.	We click to open.
Nous	cliquons	Nous cliquons ensemble.	We click together.
Vous	cliquez	Vous cliquez rapidement.	You click quickly.
Ils	cliquent	Ils cliquent sur le menu.	They click on the menu.
Elles	cliquent	Elles cliquent sur le lien.	They click on the link.