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

Introduction to the verb retenir

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The English translation of retenir is “to retain” or “to hold back.” The infinitive form is pronounced as “ruh-tuh-neer.”

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The language origin of retenir comes from the Latin word “retinere” which means “to keep back.” In everyday French, retenir is most often used to express the action of holding onto something or someone, either physically or mentally.

Examples:

Je dois retenir cette information importante pour mon examen. (I have to remember/retain this important information for my exam.)
Le professeur a demandé aux étudiants de retenir leur enthousiasme jusqu’à la fin de la présentation. (The teacher asked the students to hold back their excitement until the end of the presentation.)
Il n’a pas pu retenir ses larmes en entendant la nouvelle. (He couldn’t hold back his tears upon hearing the news.)

Retenir – 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 retenir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	retiens	Je retiens mon souffle.	I am holding my breath.
Tu	retiens	Tu retiens les informations.	You remember the information.
Il	retient	Il retient ses larmes.	He is holding back his tears.
Elle	retient	Elle retient sa colère.	She is holding back her anger.
On	retient	On retient facilement les mots.	We easily remember the words.
Nous	retenons	Nous retenons les leçons.	We remember the lessons.
Vous	retenez	Vous ne retenez pas vos promesses.	You don’t keep your promises.
Ils	retiennent	Ils retiennent leur respiration.	They are holding their breath.
Elles	retiennent	Elles retiennent leur rire.	They are holding back their laughter.