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

Introduction to the verb défiler

Get the present tense conjugation of défiler. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb défiler is “to parade” or “to march.” The infinitive form “défiler” is pronounced as “day-fee-lay.”

Table of Contents

The word “défiler” originates from the Old French word “desfiler,” which means “to unroll.” In everyday French, it is commonly used to refer to the act of parading or marching, often in a procession or a demonstration.

Examples:

Les soldats vont défiler lors de la cérémonie. (The soldiers will parade during the ceremony.)
Chaque année, un défilé est organisé pour la fête nationale. (Every year, a parade is organized for the national holiday.)
Les manifestants ont défilé dans les rues pour exprimer leur mécontentement. (The protesters marched through the streets to express their discontent.)

Défiler – 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 défiler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Défile	Je défile	I parade
Tu	Défiles	Tu défiles	You parade
Il	Défile	Il défile	He parades
Elle	Défile	Elle défile	She parades
On	Défile	On défile	One parades
Nous	Défilons	Nous défilons	We parade
Vous	Défilez	Vous défilez	You parade
Ils	Défilent	Ils défilent	They parade
Elles	Défilent	Elles défilent	They parade