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

Introduction to the verb pistonner

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The English translation of the French verb pistonner is “to push/force one’s way in/to influence”. It is pronounced as “pees-ton-ay”.

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Pistonner originates from the French word “piston”, meaning “piston” or “plug”. It is most often used in everyday French to describe someone using their influence or connections to gain an advantage or achieve success.

Examples:

Il a réussi à avoir ce poste grâce à ses relations politiques qui lui ont permis de pistonner. (He got this job thanks to his political connections which allowed him to push his way in.)
Elle a été pistonée pour obtenir une promotion, même si elle n’avait pas les compétences requises. (She was pushed through to get a promotion, even though she didn’t have the required skills.)
Le chanteur a été pistoné par son ami producteur pour signer un contrat avec une grande maison de disques. (The singer was pushed by his producer friend to sign a contract with a major record label.)

Pistonner – 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 pistonner

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je pistonne	Je pistonne pour réussir mes examens.	I network to succeed in my exams.
Tu	Tu pistonnes	Tu pistonnes pour obtenir ce poste.	You network to get this job.
Il	Il pistonne	Il pistonne pour obtenir une promotion.	He networks to get a promotion.
Elle	Elle pistonne	Elle pistonne pour réussir dans le milieu artistique.	She networks to succeed in the artistic world.
On	On pistonne	On pistonne pour trouver un emploi.	One networks to find a job.
Nous	Nous pistonons	Nous pistonons pour aider notre ami à trouver un logement.	We network to help our friend find a place to stay.
Vous	Vous pistonnez	Vous pistonnez pour créer de nouvelles opportunités professionnelles.	You network to create new professional opportunities.
Ils	Ils pistonnent	Ils pistonnent pour promouvoir leur entreprise.	They network to promote their company.
Elles	Elles pistonnent	Elles pistonnent pour trouver des partenaires financiers.	They network to find financial partners.