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

Introduction to the verb défrayer

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The English translation of the French verb “défrayer” is “to pay for” or “to cover expenses.” The pronunciation of the infinitive form “défrayer” is [day-freh-yey].

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“Défrayer” comes from the Old French “frayer” meaning “to pay” or “to cover expenses.” It is most often used in everyday French to talk about reimbursing someone for expenses or assuming the cost of something.

Examples:

Je vais défrayer les frais de voyage. (I will pay for the travel expenses.)
L’entreprise défraie les repas de ses employés. (The company covers the employees’ meals.)
Ils ont défrayé les billets de concert. (They paid for the concert tickets.)

Défrayer – 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 défrayer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	je défraie	Je défraie les frais.	I defray the expenses.
tu	tu défraies	Tu défraies le repas.	You defray the meal.
il	il défraie	Il défraie les dépenses.	He defrays the expenses.
elle	elle défraie	Elle défraie le voyage.	She defrays the trip.
on	on défraie	On défraie les frais.	One defrays the expenses.
nous	nous défrayons	Nous défrayons le billet.	We defray the ticket.
vous	vous défrayez	Vous défrayez l’hébergement.	You defray the accommodation.
ils	ils défrayent	Ils défrayent les dépenses.	They defray the expenses.
elles	elles défrayent	Elles défrayent le déplacement.	They defray the transportation.