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

Introduction to the verb éteindre

Get the present tense conjugation of éteindre. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb éteindre is “to turn off” or “to extinguish.” The infinitive form, éteindre, is pronounced “eh-tehndr.”

Table of Contents

The word éteindre comes from the Latin word “extinguere,” which means “to quench” or “to extinguish.” It is most often used in everyday French to talk about turning off lights, electronics, or fires.

Examples:

Je vais éteindre la lumière avant de partir. (I am going to turn off the light before leaving.)
N’oublie pas d’éteindre l’ordinateur avant de te coucher. (Don’t forget to turn off the computer before going to bed.)
Les pompiers ont réussi à éteindre l’incendie. (The firefighters managed to extinguish the fire.)

Note: These examples are in the present tense, but éteindre can also be used in other tenses such as past or future, depending on the context.

Éteindre – 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 éteindre

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	éteins	J’éteins la lumière.	I turn off the light.
Tu	éteins	Tu éteins le feu.	You turn off the fire.
Il	éteint	Il éteint le téléviseur.	He turns off the television.
Elle	éteint	Elle éteint son téléphone.	She turns off her phone.
On	éteint	On éteint les lumières.	We turn off the lights.
Nous	éteignons	Nous éteignons les bougies.	We turn off the candles.
Vous	éteignez	Vous éteignez le four.	You (formal) turn off the oven.
Ils	éteignent	Ils éteignent les appareils électriques.	They turn off the electrical appliances.
Elles	éteignent	Elles éteignent les ordinateurs.	They (feminine) turn off the computers.