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

Introduction to the verb convoiter

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The English translation of the French verb “convoiter” is “to covet.” The pronunciation of the infinitive form “convoiter” is [kɔ̃.vwatɛ].

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Convoiter originated from the Latin word “concupiscere,” which means “to desire eagerly.” In everyday French, it is used to express a strong desire or longing for something that belongs to someone else.

Examples:

Je convoite sa voiture depuis longtemps. (I have been coveting his car for a long time.)
Elle convoite le poste de directeur. (She covets the position of director.)
Ils convoitent mes vêtements. (They covet my clothes.)

Note: The usage examples provided above are literal translations to provide context. The English language might express similar ideas through different phrasing.

Convoiter – 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 convoiter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	convoite	Je convoite cette voiture.	I covet this car.
tu	convoites	Tu convoites son succès.	You covet his success.
il	convoite	Il convoite la richesse.	He covets wealth.
elle	convoite	Elle convoite ce poste.	She covets this position.
on	convoite	On convoite leur maison.	One covets their house.
nous	convoitons	Nous convoitons la liberté.	We covet freedom.
vous	convoitez	Vous convoitez sa confiance.	You covet his trust.
ils	convoitent	Ils convoitent son pouvoir.	They covet his power.
elles	convoitent	Elles convoitent ces bijoux.	They covet these jewels.