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

Introduction to the verb complaire

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The English translation of the French verb complaire is “to please.”
It is pronounced as “kohm-plair.”

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The word complaire comes from the Latin word “complacere,” meaning “to please.” It is most often used in everyday French to express the action of pleasing someone or fulfilling their desires or wishes.

Examples:

Je me complais dans mon travail. (I take pleasure in my work.)
Le chanteur a su complaire à son public. (The singer was able to please his audience.)
La jeune fille cherchait à se complaire dans son apparence. (The young girl was seeking to please herself with her appearance.)

Complaire – 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 complaire

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	me complais	Je me complais dans cette situation.	I take pleasure in this situation.
Tu	te complais	Tu te complais dans tes mensonges.	You take pleasure in your lies.
Il	se complait	Il se complait dans son ignorance.	He takes pleasure in his ignorance.
Elle	se complait	Elle se complait dans son apparence.	She takes pleasure in her appearance.
On	se complait	On se complait dans la facilité.	We take pleasure in convenience.
Nous	nous complaisons	Nous nous complaisons dans nos victoires.	We take pleasure in our victories.
Vous	vous complaisez	Vous vous complaisez dans le luxe.	You take pleasure in luxury.
Ils	se complaisent	Ils se complaisent dans leur confort.	They take pleasure in their comfort.
Elles	se complaisent	Elles se complaisent dans leurs disputes.	They take pleasure in their arguments.