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

Introduction to the verb obtempérer

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The English translation of the French verb obtempérer is “to comply” or “to obey.” It is pronounced as “ohb-tã-peh-reh.”

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The language origin of obtempérer can be traced back to the Latin word “obtemporare,” meaning “to comply.” In everyday French, it is most often used in formal or legal contexts to describe following rules, orders, or instructions.

Je dois obtempérer aux règles du code de la route. (I have to comply with the rules of the road code.)
Nous devons obtempérer aux demandes de notre patron. (We have to obey our boss’s requests.)
Il a choisi d’obtempérer pour éviter les sanctions. (He chose to comply to avoid sanctions.)

Obtempérer – 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 obtempérer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	j’obtempère	Je suis obligé d’obtempérer.	I am obliged to comply.
Tu	tu obtempères	Tu dois obtempérer aux règles.	You must obey the rules.
Il	il obtempère	Il ne veut pas obtempérer.	He doesn’t want to comply.
Elle	elle obtempère	Elle doit obtempérer à l’ordre.	She has to follow the order.
On	on obtempère	On doit obtempérer aux lois.	One must obey the laws.
Nous	nous obtempérons	Nous obtempérons sans protester.	We comply without protesting.
Vous	vous obtempérez	Vous devez obtempérer aux demandes.	You must comply with the requests.
Ils	ils obtempèrent	Ils refusent d’obtempérer.	They refuse to comply.
Elles	elles obtempèrent	Elles doivent obtempérer aux consignes.	They have to follow the instructions.