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

Introduction to the verb clopiner

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The English translation of the French verb “clopiner” is “to hobble” or “to limp.” The infinitive form “clopiner” is pronounced as “kloh-pee-neh.”

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The word “clopiner” originated from the Old Norse word “kløppa,” which means “to limp” or “to hobble.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe someone walking with difficulty or a noticeable limp.

Examples of usage:

Il clopine après sa blessure. (He hobbles after his injury.)
Le vieux chien clopine sur ses pattes arthritiques. (The old dog limps on his arthritic legs.)
Elle clopinait en boitant légèrement. (She was hobbling, limping slightly.)

Please note that “clopiner” can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is progressing slowly, clumsily, or with difficulty.

Clopiner – 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 clopiner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	clopine	Je clopine dans la rue.	I limp in the street.
Tu	clopines	Tu clopines légèrement.	You limp slightly.
Il	clopine	Il clopine à cause de la douleur.	He limps because of the pain.
Elle	clopine	Elle clopine après sa blessure.	She limps after her injury.
On	clopine	On clopine lentement.	One limps slowly.
Nous	clopinons	Nous clopinons ensemble.	We limp together.
Vous	clopinez	Vous clopinez discrètement.	You limp discreetly.
Ils	clopinent	Ils clopinent après l’accident.	They limp after the accident.
Elles	clopinent	Elles clopinent avec précaution.	They limp cautiously.