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

Introduction to the verb coudoyer

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The English translation of the French verb coudoyer is “to brush past/rub shoulders with.” The infinitive form “coudoyer” is pronounced as “koo-dwah-yey.”

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Coudoyer is derived from the combination of the Old French words “coude” (elbow) and “oyer” (to hear). In everyday French, coudoyer is used to describe the action of physically brushing past or coming into contact with someone while walking, usually in a crowded place.

Examples of usage:

Je coudoie mon collègue tous les matins dans le couloir. (I brush past my colleague every morning in the hallway.)
Nous nous sommes coudoyés dans la foule du marché. (We bumped into each other in the crowded market.)
Il a coudoyé une célébrité lors de son voyage à Paris. (He rubbed shoulders with a celebrity during his trip to Paris.)

Coudoyer – 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 coudoyer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	coudoie	Je le coudoie souvent au travail.	I bump into him often at work.
tu	coudoies	Tu coudoies tes voisins tous les jours.	You bump into your neighbors every day.
il	coudoie	Il coudoie les célébrités lors des événements.	He bumps into celebrities at events.
elle	coudoie	Elle coudoie les politiciens dans son métier.	She bumps into politicians in her job.
on	coudoie	On coudoie souvent des personnes intéressantes en voyageant.	One bumps into interesting people while traveling.
nous	coudoyons	Nous coudoyons nos collègues au bureau.	We bump into our colleagues at the office.
vous	coudoyez	Vous coudoyez les clients dans votre magasin.	You bump into customers in your store.
ils	coudoient	Ils coudoient leurs amis lors des fêtes.	They bump into their friends at parties.
elles	coudoient	Elles coudoient les sportifs lors des compétitions.	They bump into athletes at competitions.