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

Introduction to the verb déhouiller

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The English translation of the French verb “déhouiller” is “to strip” or “to skin.” The infinitive form is pronounced as “day-wee-yay.”

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The word “déhouiller” has its origins in the Old French word “houe,” which means “hoe.” In everyday French, it is most often used in a figurative sense to mean “to strip something of its covering” or “to reveal the true nature of something.”

Here are three simple examples of its usage:

J’ai déhouillé la vieille armoire. (I stripped the old wardrobe.)
Il a déhouillé les mensonges du politicien. (He exposed the politician’s lies.)
Elle déhouille les arguments de son adversaire. (She dismantles her opponent’s arguments.)

Note: The translations provided are literal translations and may vary based on context.

Déhouiller – 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 déhouiller

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	déhouille	Je déhouille un vieux meuble.	I strip an old piece of furniture.
Tu	déhouilles	Tu déhouilles les fils électriques.	You strip the electrical wires.
Il	déhouille	Il déhouille la peau de la pomme.	He strips the skin off the apple.
Elle	déhouille	Elle déhouille les branches d’arbre.	She strips the tree branches.
On	déhouille	On déhouille les cables téléphoniques.	One strips the telephone cables.
Nous	déhouillons	Nous déhouillons les papiers peints.	We strip the wallpapers.
Vous	déhouillez	Vous déhouillez les vieilles portes.	You strip the old doors.
Ils	déhouillent	Ils déhouillent les cordes de guitare.	They strip the guitar strings.
Elles	déhouillent	Elles déhouillent les tissus usés.	They strip the worn-out fabrics.