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

Introduction to the verb piquer

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The English translation of the French verb piquer is “to prick” or “to sting.” It is pronounced as “pee-kay.”

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The word piquer originated from the Latin word pungere, meaning “to prick” or “to sting.” In everyday French, it is commonly used in various contexts, such as physical pain or discomfort, stealing, and provoking.

Examples of piquer in everyday French:

J’ai été piqué par une abeille hier. (I was stung by a bee yesterday.)
Le voleur a piqué mon portefeuille. (The thief stole my wallet.)
Il aime bien piquer sa sœur en lui donnant des coups de coude. (He enjoys provoking his sister by elbowing her.)

Piquer – 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 piquer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	pique	Je pique un morceau de fromage.	I prick a piece of cheese.
Tu	piques	Tu piques les fruits.	You prick the fruits.
Il	pique	Il pique la balle avec sa raquette.	He pricks the ball with his racket.
Elle	pique	Elle pique le tissu avec une aiguille.	She pricks the fabric with a needle.
On	pique	On pique toujours les moustiques en été.	We always get stung by mosquitoes in the summer.
Nous	piquons	Nous piquons des fleurs dans le jardin.	We prick flowers in the garden.
Vous	piquez	Vous piquez les ballons avec une épingle.	You prick balloons with a pin.
Ils	piquent	Ils piquent les légumes du jardin pour le dîner.	They prick vegetables from the garden for dinner.
Elles	piquent	Elles piquent les abeilles avec leur dard.	They sting the bees with their stinger.