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

Introduction to the verb recouvrir

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The English translation of recouvrir is “to cover” and it is pronounced as “ruh-koo-veer”.

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Recouvrir is a verb in French that comes from the Old French word “recovrir” and the Latin word “recoperire” which means “to cover again”. It is used in everyday French to describe the action of covering something or someone.

Examples:

Je vais recouvrir les meubles avec des draps pour les protéger pendant les travaux. (I will cover the furniture with sheets to protect them during the renovations.)
Le ciel était recouvert de nuages gris toute la journée. (The sky was covered with grey clouds all day.)
J’ai dû recouvrir le gâteau avec du glaçage après l’avoir laissé refroidir. (I had to cover the cake with icing after letting it cool down.)

Recouvrir – 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 recouvrir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Recouvre	Je recouvre le plat de papier aluminium.	I cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Tu	Recouvres	Tu recouvres les meubles avec une couverture.	You cover the furniture with a blanket.
Il	Recouvre	Il recouvre les murs de peinture.	He covers the walls with paint.
Elle	Recouvre	Elle recouvre le gâteau de glaçage.	She covers the cake with frosting.
On	Recouvre	On recouvre le sol de tapis.	One covers the floor with carpet.
Nous	Recouvrons	Nous recouvrons les livres de plastique.	We cover the books with plastic.
Vous	Recouvrez	Vous recouvrez les tables de nappes.	You cover the tables with tablecloths.
Ils	Recouvrent	Ils recouvrent les arbres de feuilles.	They cover the trees with leaves.
Elles	Recouvrent	Elles recouvrent les bijoux de tissu.	They cover the jewelry with fabric.