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

Introduction to the verb offrir

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The English translation of the French verb offrir is “to offer.” The infinitive form of offrir is pronounced as “oh-freer.”

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Offrir comes from the Latin word “offerre,” which means “to bring or present.” In everyday French, it is most often used to express the action of giving or presenting something to someone.

Examples:

Je vais offrir des fleurs à ma mère pour son anniversaire. (I am going to offer flowers to my mother for her birthday.)
Le restaurant offre un verre de vin à ses clients en attendant leur table. (The restaurant offers a glass of wine to its customers while they wait for their table.)
Nous aimerions vous offrir un cadeau pour vous remercier de votre aide. (We would like to offer you a gift to thank you for your help.)

Offrir – 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 offrir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	offre	J’offre un cadeau.	I offer a gift.
Tu	offres	Tu offres du thé.	You offer some tea.
Il	offre	Il offre une fleur.	He offers a flower.
Elle	offre	Elle offre un sourire.	She offers a smile.
On	offre	On offre un verre.	We offer a drink.
Nous	offrons	Nous offrons un repas.	We offer a meal.
Vous	offrez	Vous offrez un conseil.	You offer advice.
Ils	offrent	Ils offrent un spectacle.	They offer a show.
Elles	offrent	Elles offrent un cadeau.	They offer a gift.