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

Introduction to the verb obstiner

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The English translation of obstiner is “to persist” or “to be stubborn.” It is pronounced as “ohb-steen-ay” in its infinitive form.

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The word obstiner comes from the Latin verb obstinare, which means “to persist” or “to be stubborn.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe someone who is determined and refuses to change their mind or behavior.

Examples:

Il s’obstine à penser que c’est la meilleure solution. (He persists in thinking that it’s the best solution.)
Elle s’est obstinée à continuer malgré les obstacles. (She was stubbornly determined to continue despite the obstacles.)
Ne t’obstine pas, tu as tort. (Don’t be stubborn, you are wrong.)

Obstiner – 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 obstiner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	m’obstine	Je m’obstine à finir mon travail.	I am stubborn to finish my work.
Tu	t’obstines	Tu t’obstines à avoir raison.	You are stubborn to be right.
Il	s’obstine	Il s’obstine à refuser de m’écouter.	He is stubborn to refuse to listen to me.
Elle	s’obstine	Elle s’obstine à vouloir le faire seule.	She is stubborn to want to do it alone.
On	s’obstine	On s’obstine à ne pas comprendre.	We are stubborn to not understand.
Nous	obstinons	Nous nous obstinons à trouver une solution.	We are stubborn to find a solution.
Vous	obstinez	Vous vous obstinez à vouloir partir.	You are stubborn to want to leave.
Ils	obstinent	Ils s’obstinent à suivre leur propre chemin.	They are stubborn to follow their own path.
Elles	obstinent	Elles s’obstinent à ne pas changer d’avis.	They are stubborn to not change their minds.