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

Introduction to the verb générer

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The English translation of the French verb générer is “to generate.” It is pronounced as “zhay-nay-ray.”

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The word générer comes from the Latin word “generare,” meaning “to produce” or “to create.” In everyday French, it is most often used to refer to the process of creating or producing something, whether it be physical or abstract. It can also mean “to generate” in the sense of causing or bringing about a particular result.

Here are three simple examples of its usage:

La machine génère de l’électricité. (The machine generates electricity.)
Les émotions fortes peuvent générer du stress. (Strong emotions can generate stress.)
Les parents ont généré un environnement propice à l’apprentissage. (The parents created an environment conducive to learning.)

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Générer – 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 générer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Génère	Je génère des idées nouvelles.	I generate new ideas.
Tu	Génères	Tu génères beaucoup de bruit.	You generate a lot of noise.
Il	Génère	Il génère de l’électricité.	He generates electricity.
Elle	Génère	Elle génère de la chaleur.	She generates heat.
On	Génère	On génère de la pollution.	One generates pollution.
Nous	Générons	Nous générons de l’enthousiasme.	We generate enthusiasm.
Vous	Générez	Vous générez de l’argent.	You generate money.
Ils	Génèrent	Ils génèrent des profits.	They generate profits.
Elles	Génèrent	Elles génèrent du mouvement.	They generate movement.