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

Introduction to the verb liciter

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The English translation of the French verb liciter is “to bid.” It is pronounced as “lee-see-tey” in its infinitive form.

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The language origin of liciter can be traced back to the Latin word “licitare,” meaning “to bid” or “to offer for sale.” In everyday French, liciter is commonly used in the context of auctions or bidding on items. Here are three simple examples of its usage:

Je vais liciter sur cette œuvre d’art lors de la vente aux enchères. (I am going to bid on this artwork during the auction.)
Les enchères ont commencé à 100 euros, qui veut liciter ? (Bidding starts at 100 euros, who wants to bid?)
Nous avons licité sur la maison mais quelqu’un a fait une offre plus élevée. (We bid on the house but someone made a higher offer.)

Liciter – 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 liciter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	licite	Je licite pour gagner la maison.	I bid to win the house.
tu	licites	Tu licites sur ce tableau magnifique.	You bid on this beautiful painting.
il	licite	Il licite pour obtenir le contrat.	He bids to get the contract.
elle	licite	Elle licite sur cette enchère.	She bids on this auction.
on	licite	On licite pour avoir le meilleur prix.	We bid to get the best price.
nous	licitons	Nous licitons pour construire une nouvelle école.	We bid to build a new school.
vous	licitez	Vous licitez sur cette voiture de collection.	You bid on this vintage car.
ils	licitent	Ils licitent pour gagner le tournoi.	They bid to win the tournament.
elles	licitent	Elles licitent pour obtenir le contrat.	They (f) bid to get the contract.