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

Introduction to the verb débuter

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The English translation of the French verb “débuter” is “to begin” or “to start.” The infinitive form “débuter” is pronounced as /de-by-te/.

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The word “débuter” originates from the French word “début,” meaning “beginning” or “start.” It is commonly used in everyday French to express the act of starting or beginning something, particularly in relation to a new activity, career, or event.

Here are three simple examples of its usage in everyday French:

Je vais débuter un nouveau projet demain.
Translation: I will start a new project tomorrow.
Elle a débuté dans le cinéma il y a dix ans.
Translation: She started in the film industry ten years ago.
Nous devons débuter la réunion à l’heure.
Translation: We need to begin the meeting on time.

Débuter – 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 débuter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	débute	Je débute un nouveau projet.	I am starting a new project.
tu	débutes	Tu débutes ta journée tôt.	You start your day early.
il	débute	Il débute sa carrière professionnelle.	He is starting his professional career.
elle	débute	Elle débute un régime alimentaire.	She is starting a diet.
on	débute	On débute le concert à 20 heures.	We start the concert at 8 pm.
nous	débutons	Nous débutons notre voyage demain.	We are starting our trip tomorrow.
vous	débutez	Vous débutez une nouvelle formation.	You (plural/formal) are starting a new training.
ils	débutent	Ils débutent leur réunion maintenant.	They are starting their meeting now.
elles	débutent	Elles débutent leurs études à l’université.	They (feminine) are starting their studies at the university.