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

Introduction to the verb empêner

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The English translation of the French verb empêner is “to hinder” or “to prevent.” The infinitive form, empêner, is pronounced as [ɑ̃.pɛ.ne].

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Empêner originated from the Old French word “empeignier,” meaning “to shackle” or “to impede.” In everyday French, empêner is commonly used to express the action of obstructing or restraining someone or something from performing a certain action.

Here are three simple examples of empêner in everyday French:

Ils m’empêchent de travailler.
(They prevent me from working.)
Ses responsabilités l’empêchent de partir en vacances.
(His/her responsibilities hinder him/her from going on vacation.)
Le mauvais temps a empêné la tenue du concert en plein air.
(The bad weather prevented the outdoor concert from taking place.)

Empêner – 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 empêner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	empêne	J’empêne mon frère de partir.	I prevent my brother from leaving.
Tu	empênes	Tu empênes ton chien de sauter.	You prevent your dog from jumping.
Il	empêne	Il empêne le chat d’entrer.	He prevents the cat from entering.
Elle	empêne	Elle empêne sa sœur de pleurer.	She prevents her sister from crying.
On	empêne	On empêne les enfants de jouer.	One prevents the children from playing.
Nous	empênons	Nous empênons nos amis de faire une erreur.	We prevent our friends from making a mistake.
Vous	empênez	Vous empênez les étudiants de parler.	You prevent the students from speaking.
Ils	empênent	Ils empênent les oiseaux de s’envoler.	They prevent the birds from flying.
Elles	empênent	Elles empênent les voitures de passer.	They prevent the cars from passing.