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

Introduction to the verb fléchir

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The English translation of the French verb fléchir is “to bend” or “to flex.” It is pronounced as “flay-sheer.”

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The origin of the word fléchir comes from the Latin word “flectere,” meaning “to bend” or “to curve.” In everyday French, fléchir is commonly used to refer to physically bending or flexing something, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean yielding or giving in to something.

Here are three simple examples of how fléchir is used in everyday French:

Je dois fléchir mes genoux pour atteindre l’étagère du haut. (I have to bend my knees to reach the top shelf.)
Il faut fléchir la règle pour l’adapter à notre projet. (We need to bend the rule to fit our project.)
Les manifestants ne vont pas fléchir dans leur lutte pour la justice sociale. (The protesters will not back down in their fight for social justice.)

Translation:
The translation of the French verb fléchir is “to bend” or “to flex.” It comes from the Latin word “flectere” and is commonly used in everyday French to refer to physically bending or flexing something, but can also be used metaphorically to mean yielding or giving in to something. Three examples of its usage include “Je dois fléchir mes genoux pour atteindre l’étagère du haut” (I have to bend my knees to reach the top shelf), “Il faut fléchir la règle pour l’adapter à notre projet” (We need to bend the rule to fit our project), and “Les manifestants ne vont pas fléchir dans leur lutte pour la justice sociale” (The protesters will not back down in their fight for social justice).

Fléchir – 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 fléchir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	fléchis	Je fléchis mon genou.	I am bending my knee.
Tu	fléchis	Tu fléchis devant lui.	You are bowing before him.
Il	fléchit	Il fléchit sous le poids.	He is bending under the weight.
Elle	fléchit	Elle fléchit avec élégance.	She is gracefully bending.
On	fléchit	On fléchit rapidement.	One bends quickly.
Nous	fléchissons	Nous fléchissons les règles.	We are bending the rules.
Vous	fléchissez	Vous fléchissez les muscles.	You are flexing your muscles.
Ils	fléchissent	Ils fléchissent ensemble.	They are bending together.
Elles	fléchissent	Elles fléchissent côte à côte.	They are bending side by side.