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

Introduction to the verb préparer

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The English translation of the French verb préparer is “to prepare.” The infinitive form is pronounced “preh-pah-rey.”

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The language origin of préparer is from the Old French word “preparare,” which comes from the Latin word “praeparare” meaning “to make ready.”

In every day French, préparer is commonly used to refer to preparing for something, such as a meal, an event, or a trip. It can also be used figuratively to mean getting ready for a future event or situation.

Examples:

Je vais préparer le dîner ce soir. (I am going to prepare dinner tonight.)
Nous devons préparer notre présentation pour demain. (We need to prepare our presentation for tomorrow.)
Elle se prépare pour son examen depuis des semaines. (She has been preparing for her exam for weeks.)

Préparer – 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 préparer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je prépare	Je prépare mon déjeuner.	I am preparing my lunch.
Tu	Tu prépares	Tu prépares tes affaires.	You are preparing your things.
Il	Il prépare	Il prépare le dîner.	He is preparing dinner.
Elle	Elle prépare	Elle prépare son examen.	She is preparing for her exam.
On	On prépare	On prépare une surprise.	We are preparing a surprise.
Nous	Nous préparons	Nous préparons un voyage.	We are preparing for a trip.
Vous	Vous préparez	Vous préparez le repas.	You are preparing the meal.
Ils	Ils préparent	Ils préparent leurs valises.	They are preparing their suitcases.
Elles	Elles préparent	Elles préparent le spectacle.	They are preparing the show.