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

Introduction to the verb épargner

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The English translation of the French verb épargner is “to save” or “to spare.” It is pronounced eh-parn-ye.

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The origin of the verb épargner comes from the Latin word “parcere” meaning “to spare” or “to save.” In everyday French, it is most often used in the context of saving money or resources.

Examples:

Je dois épargner de l’argent pour mes vacances. (I have to save money for my vacation.)
Nous devons épargner l’eau pendant la sécheresse. (We have to save water during the drought.)
Elle épargne toujours ses vêtements préférés pour les occasions spéciales. (She always spares her favorite clothes for special occasions.)

Épargner – 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 épargner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	épargne	J’épargne de l’argent pour mes vacances.	I save money for my vacations.
Tu	épargnes	Tu épargnes toujours pour l’avenir.	You always save for the future.
Il	épargne	Il épargne beaucoup en dépensant moins.	He saves a lot by spending less.
Elle	épargne	Elle épargne pour s’acheter une nouvelle voiture.	She saves to buy herself a new car.
On	épargne	On épargne en faisant des économies.	We save by making economies.
Nous	épargnons	Nous épargnons pour notre retraite.	We save for our retirement.
Vous	épargnez	Vous épargnez régulièrement pour vos projets.	You save regularly for your projects.
Ils	épargnent	Ils épargnent en évitant les dépenses inutiles.	They save by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Elles	épargnent	Elles épargnent pour leurs enfants.	They save for their children.