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

Introduction to the verb compter

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The English translation of the French verb “compter” is “to count”. The infinitive form of “compter” is pronounced as [kɔ̃.te].

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Compter originates from the Latin word “computare”, meaning “to calculate”. In everyday French, “compter” is primarily used to refer to the action of counting, but it is also used in various idiomatic expressions and contexts.

Examples:

Je peux compter jusqu’à dix en français. (I can count to ten in French.)
Nous allons compter les invités. (We are going to count the guests.)
Tu comptes les jours jusqu’à ton anniversaire. (You are counting the days until your birthday.)

Compter – 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 compter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	compte	Je compte les pièces.	I count the coins.
Tu	comptes	Tu comptes les jours.	You count the days.
Il	compte	Il compte ses économies.	He counts his savings.
Elle	compte	Elle compte les invités.	She counts the guests.
On	compte	On compte les minutes.	One counts the minutes.
Nous	comptons	Nous comptons les étoiles.	We count the stars.
Vous	comptez	Vous comptez les mots.	You count the words.
Ils	comptent	Ils comptent les points.	They count the points. (masculine)
Elles	comptent	Elles comptent les fleurs.	They count the flowers. (feminine)