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

Introduction to the verb redevoir

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The English translation of the French verb redevoir is “to owe/ to have to pay back.” The infinitive form of redevoir is pronounced as “ruh-duh-vwahr.”

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Redevoir is a verb formed by combining the prefix “re-” meaning “again” and the verb “devoir” meaning “to have to/ must.” It is commonly used in everyday French to indicate a debt or obligation that needs to be fulfilled.

Examples:

Je dois te redevoir de l’argent demain. (I owe you money tomorrow.)
Nous avons redevoir nos amis qui nous ont hébergés pendant nos vacances. (We have to pay back our friends who hosted us during our vacation.)
Elle a redevoir une faveur à sa sœur. (She has to repay a favor to her sister.)

Redevoir – 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 redevoir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	dois	Je dois partir maintenant.	I have to leave now.
tu	dois	Tu dois être fatigué.	You must be tired.
il	doit	Il doit travailler ce soir.	He has to work tonight.
elle	doit	Elle doit acheter du lait.	She has to buy milk.
on	doit	On doit être prudent.	We/One must be careful.
nous	devons	Nous devons partir ensemble.	We have to leave together.
vous	devez	Vous devez arriver à l’heure.	You must arrive on time.
ils	doivent	Ils doivent étudier pour les examens.	They have to study for the exams.
elles	doivent	Elles doivent faire leurs devoirs.	They have to do their homework.