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

Introduction to the verb essayer

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The English translation of the French verb “essayer” is “to try” or “to attempt.” The infinitive form of “essayer” is pronounced as [eh-sey-ey].

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The verb “essayer” comes from the Old French word “essai,” which means “trial” or “attempt.” In everyday French, “essayer” is commonly used to express the act of trying or attempting something.

Examples:

J’ai décidé d’essayer un nouveau restaurant ce soir. (I have decided to try a new restaurant tonight.)
Il faut essayer de comprendre les différentes perspectives. (We must try to understand different perspectives.)
Elle a essayé de résoudre le problème par elle-même. (She tried to solve the problem on her own.)

Essayer – 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 essayer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	j’essaie	J’essaie de comprendre.	I am trying to understand.
Tu	tu essaies	Tu essaies de cuisiner.	You are trying to cook.
Il	il essaie	Il essaie de lire.	He is trying to read.
Elle	elle essaie	Elle essaie de chanter.	She is trying to sing.
On	on essaie	On essaie de trouver une solution.	We are trying to find a solution.
Nous	nous essayons	Nous essayons de résoudre le problème.	We are trying to solve the problem.
Vous	vous essayez	Vous essayez de parler français.	You are trying to speak French.
Ils	ils essaient	Ils essaient de gagner le match.	They are trying to win the game.
Elles	elles essaient	Elles essaient de danser.	They are trying to dance.