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

Introduction to the verb débrayer

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The English translation of the French verb “débrayer” is “to disengage” or “to release.” The infinitive form “débrayer” is pronounced as “de-bray-ay.”

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The word “débrayer” is derived from the combination of the prefix “dé-” (indicating removal or reversal) and the word “brayer” (meaning “to engage”). In everyday French, “débrayer” is commonly used in the context of releasing or disengaging something, such as a clutch or a gear in a vehicle.

Examples:

Je dois débrayer l’embrayage avant de changer de vitesse. (I have to disengage the clutch before changing gears.)
Il a dû débrayer la machine pour réparer la panne. (He had to release the machine to fix the breakdown.)
N’oublie pas de débrayer le frein à main avant de partir. (Don’t forget to disengage the handbrake before leaving.)

Note: The above translations are approximate and may vary based on the context.

Débrayer – 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 débrayer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	débraye	Je débraye la voiture.	I disengage the car.
Tu	débrayes	Tu débrayes le vélo.	You disengage the bike.
Il	débraye	Il débraye le moteur.	He disengages the engine.
Elle	débraye	Elle débraye l’embrayage.	She disengages the clutch.
On	débraye	On débraye la marche arrière.	One disengages reverse.
Nous	débrayons	Nous débrayons la transmission.	We disengage the transmission.
Vous	débrayez	Vous débrayez la boîte de vitesses.	You disengage the gearbox.
Ils	débrayent	Ils débrayent la chaîne.	They disengage the chain.
Elles	débrayent	Elles débrayent le frein.	They disengage the brake.