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

Introduction to the verb perpétuer

Get the present tense conjugation of perpétuer. 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 perpétuer is “to perpetuate.” It is pronounced “pair-peh-tew-ay.”

Table of Contents

Perpétuer comes from the Latin word perpetuare, which means “to make perpetual or ongoing.” It is most often used in everyday French to refer to the continuation or preservation of something, usually a tradition, belief, or behavior.

Examples:

Nous devons perpétuer la mémoire de nos ancêtres. (We must perpetuate the memory of our ancestors.)
Le gouvernement a pour objectif de perpétuer la paix dans le pays. (The government’s goal is to perpetuate peace in the country.)
Les stéréotypes sexistes doivent être combattus afin de ne pas les perpétuer. (Sexist stereotypes must be fought against in order to not perpetuate them.)

Perpétuer – 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 perpétuer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	perpétue	Je perpétue la tradition familiale.	I perpetuate the family tradition.
tu	perpétues	Tu perpétues une très belle tradition.	You perpetuate a very beautiful tradition.
il	perpétue	Il perpétue un héritage culturel.	He perpetuates a cultural heritage.
elle	perpétue	Elle perpétue la mémoire de ses ancêtres.	She perpetuates the memory of her ancestors.
on	perpétue	On perpétue ces traditions depuis des générations.	We perpetuate these traditions for generations.
nous	perpétuons	Nous perpétuons la mémoire de nos ancêtres.	We perpetuate the memory of our ancestors.
vous	perpétuez	Vous perpétuez une belle tradition.	You perpetuate a beautiful tradition.
ils	perpétuent	Ils perpétuent ces coutumes avec fierté.	They perpetuate these customs with pride.
elles	perpétuent	Elles perpétuent cette tradition depuis des siècles.	They perpetuate this tradition for centuries.