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

Introduction to the verb défaire

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The English translation of défaire is “to undo” or “to untie”. It is pronounced as “dey-fair” in its infinitive form.

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Défaire comes from the Latin word “disfacere” which means “to destroy” or “to break apart”. In French, it is most often used as a transitive verb, meaning that it requires a direct object.

Examples:

Je dois défaire mes valises avant de partir en voyage. (I have to unpack my suitcases before leaving on a trip.)
Elle a défait ses cheveux pour les laisser sécher à l’air libre. (She untied her hair to let it air dry.)
Nous allons défaire le noeud pour libérer le chien. (We will untie the knot to free the dog.)

Défaire – 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 défaire

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	défais	Je défais mon lit.	I am undoing my bed.
Tu	défais	Tu défais tes valises.	You are unpacking your suitcases.
Il	défait	Il défait le paquet-cadeau.	He is undoing the gift wrap.
Elle	défait	Elle défait ses tresses.	She is undoing her braids.
On	défait	On défait les nœuds.	We are undoing the knots.
Nous	défaisons	Nous défaisons la couture.	We are undoing the sewing.
Vous	défaites	Vous défaites les valises.	You are unpacking the suitcases.
Ils	défont	Ils défont le mariage.	They are undoing the marriage.
Elles	défont	Elles défont les liens.	They are undoing the ties.