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

Introduction to the verb parrainer

Get the present tense conjugation of parrainer. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb parrainer is “to sponsor” or “to support.” It is pronounced “par-ray-nay.”

Table of Contents

The word parrainer comes from the Old French word “parain,” meaning “godfather,” which in turn comes from the Latin word “patrinus,” meaning “godfather” or “patron.”

In everyday French, parrainer is often used in the context of a formal relationship where one person supports or takes responsibility for another, such as a godparent sponsoring a child’s baptism or a mentor sponsoring a younger colleague’s career advancement.

Examples:

Je vais parrainer mon neveu pour sa confirmation. – I am going to sponsor my nephew for his confirmation.
L’entreprise a décidé de parrainer un programme de bourses pour les étudiants défavorisés. – The company has decided to sponsor a scholarship program for underprivileged students.
Ma mère m’a toujours parrainé dans mes projets et m’a encouragé à poursuivre mes rêves. – My mother has always supported me in my projects and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

Parrainer – 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 parrainer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	parraine	Je parraine une association caritative.	I sponsor a charity.
tu	parraines	Tu parraines un nouvel employé.	You sponsor a new employee.
il	parraine	Il parraine un événement sportif.	He sponsors a sports event.
elle	parraine	Elle parraine une campagne de sensibilisation.	She sponsors an awareness campaign.
on	parraine	On parraine un projet communautaire.	We/they sponsor a community project.
nous	parrainons	Nous parrainons un enfant dans le besoin.	We sponsor a child in need.
vous	parrainez	Vous parrainez une équipe de jeunes athlètes.	You sponsor a team of young athletes.
ils	parrainent	Ils parrainent un programme de mentorat.	They sponsor a mentoring program.
elles	parrainent	Elles parrainent une entreprise locale.	They sponsor a local business.