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

Introduction to the verb hiverner

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The English translation of the French verb hiverner is “to winter” or “to pass the winter.” The infinitive form of hiverner is pronounced “ee-vee-nay.”

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Hiverner comes from the French word “hiver” meaning “winter,” which in turn comes from the Latin word “hibernum.”

Hiverner is most often used in everyday French to describe the act of spending the winter in a certain place, or to prepare for the winter season. It can also be used in a figurative sense to mean taking a break or resting during a difficult time.

Examples:

Nous avons décidé d’hiverner dans les Alpes cette année. (We have decided to spend the winter in the Alps this year.)
Les ours hibernent pendant l’hiver. (Bears hibernate during the winter.)
Après une longue période de travail intense, il est temps d’hiverner un peu. (After a long period of intense work, it’s time to take a break/relax a bit.)

Hiverner – 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 hiverner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	hiverne	Je hiverne avec mes amis.	I hibernate with my friends.
Tu	hivernes	Tu hivernes dans ton lit.	You hibernate in your bed.
Il	hiverne	Il hiverne dans sa tanière.	He hibernates in his den.
Elle	hiverne	Elle hiverne dans son terrier.	She hibernates in her burrow.
On	hiverne	On hiverne en hiver.	We hibernate in winter.
Nous	hivernons	Nous hivernons dans les montagnes.	We hibernate in the mountains.
Vous	hivernez	Vous hivernez dans votre maison.	You hibernate in your house.
Ils	hivernent	Ils hivernent dans leur grotte.	They hibernate in their cave.
Elles	hivernent	Elles hivernent dans leur nid.	They hibernate in their nest.