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

Introduction to the verb lambiner

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The English translation of the French verb lambiner is “to dawdle” or “to procrastinate”. The infinitive form of lambiner is pronounced as “lahm-bee-nay”.

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Lambiner originated from the word “lambin”, which means “lazy” or “sluggish” in Old French. In modern French, it is used to describe someone who is slow or takes their time to do something.

Examples:

Arrête de lambiner et mets-toi au travail ! – Stop dawdling and get to work!
Il a passé toute la journée à lamber dans son lit. – He spent the whole day procrastinating in bed.
Ne lambine pas, nous allons manquer le train ! – Don’t waste time, we’re going to miss the train!

Lambiner – 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 lambiner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	lambine	Je lambine devant la télé.	I waste time in front of the TV.
tu	lambines	Pourquoi tu lambines autant?	Why are you taking so long?
il	lambine	Il lambine plutôt que de travailler.	He’s procrastinating instead of working.
elle	lambine	Elle lambine avant de se préparer.	She’s dawdling before getting ready.
on	lambine	On lambine en buvant du café.	We’re wasting time drinking coffee.
nous	lambinons	Nous lambinons au lieu de partir.	We’re lagging instead of leaving.
vous	lambinez	Vous lambinez depuis une heure.	You’ve been dawdling for an hour.
ils	lambinent	Ils lambinent avant de commencer.	They’re taking their time before starting.
elles	lambinent	Elles lambinent en se préparant.	They’re dawdling while getting ready.