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

Introduction to the verb gouailler

Get the present tense conjugation of gouailler. 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 “gouailler” is “to mock” or “to taunt.” The infinitive form “gouailler” is pronounced as “goo-ah-yay.”

Table of Contents

The word “gouailler” originated from the Old French verb “goguier,” meaning “to deceive” or “to joke.” In everyday French, it is commonly used to describe the act of mocking or teasing someone, often in a light-hearted or playful manner.

Examples:

Ne te vexe pas, il ne fait que gouailler. (Don’t get offended, he’s just mocking.)
Ils ont passé la soirée à se gouailler l’un l’autre. (They spent the evening taunting each other.)
Les enfants adorent gouailler leurs camarades de classe. (Children love to mock their classmates.)

Note: Translations provided are approximate.

Gouailler – 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 gouailler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	gouaille	Je gouaille devant le miroir.	I jeer in front of the mirror.
tu	gouailles	Tu gouailles en secret.	You jeer in secret.
il	gouaille	Il gouaille avec humour.	He jeers with humor.
elle	gouaille	Elle gouaille sans réserve.	She jeers without reserve.
on	gouaille	On gouaille à tout moment.	One jeers at any time.
nous	gouaillons	Nous gouaillons avec joie.	We jeer with joy.
vous	gouaillez	Vous gouaillez poliment.	You jeer politely.
ils	gouaillent	Ils gouaillent sans pitié.	They jeer mercilessly.
elles	gouaillent	Elles gouaillent avec sarcasme.	They jeer sarcastically.