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

Introduction to the verb nipper

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The English translation of the French verb nipper is “to pinch” or “to nip.” The infinitive form of nipper is pronounced “nee-pay.”

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The word “nipper” has its origin in the Old French word “nippe,” meaning “to pinch.” In everyday French, it is most often used to describe the action of pinching or nipping, usually with one’s fingers.

Three simple examples of its usage are:

Je vais te donner un petit coup de nipper pour te réveiller. (I’m going to give you a little pinch to wake you up.)
Elle a attrapé le bébé par la peau du cou et l’a nippé gentiment. (She grabbed the baby by the back of the neck and pinched him gently.)
Les chaussures trop serrées me nippent les pieds. (The shoes are too tight and are pinching my feet.)

Nipper – 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 nipper

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	nippe	Je nippe du vin.	I sip wine.
tu	nippes	Tu nippes ta boisson.	You sip your drink.
il	nippe	Il nippe sa bière.	He sips his beer.
elle	nippe	Elle nippe son café.	She sips her coffee.
on	nippe	On nippe de l’eau.	We sip water.
nous	nippons	Nous nippons du thé.	We sip tea.
vous	nippez	Vous nippez vos cocktails.	You sip your cocktails.
ils	nippent	Ils nippent leur whisky.	They sip their whisky.
elles	nippent	Elles nippent leur jus.	They sip their juice.