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

Introduction to the verb ouïr

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The English translation of the French verb ouïr is “to hear.” It is pronounced as “wee-re.”

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Ouïr comes from the Latin word “audire,” meaning “to hear.” It is a less commonly used verb in modern French, and is mostly found in literature and formal language. Its usage is similar to the verb “entendre,” which also means “to hear.”

Examples:

Je n’entends pas bien, mais j’ouïs le chant des oiseaux. – I can’t hear well, but I can hear the birds singing.
Les élèves doivent ouïr attentivement les consignes du professeur. – The students must listen carefully to the teacher’s instructions.
Laisse-moi parler, je t’ouïs à peine. – Let me speak, I can barely hear you.

Please note that these examples are not commonly used in everyday conversation and may sound formal or old-fashioned.

Ouïr – 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 ouïr

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	j’ouïs	J’ouïs de la musique.	I hear music.
tu	tu ouïs	Tu ouïs très bien.	You hear very well.
il	il ouït	Il ouït un bruit étrange.	He hears a strange noise.
elle	elle ouït	Elle ouït la conversation.	She hears the conversation.
on	on ouït	On ouït des rumeurs.	We hear rumors.
nous	nous ouïssons	Nous ouïssons un concert.	We hear a concert.
vous	vous ouïssez	Vous ouïssez la radio.	You hear the radio.
ils	ils ouïssent	Ils ouïssent les oiseaux chanter.	They hear the birds singing.
elles	elles ouïssent	Elles ouïssent les voix.	They hear the voices.