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

Introduction to the verb rétrécir

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The English translation of the French verb rétrécir is “to shrink.” Its pronunciation is “reht-reh-seer.”

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The language origin of rétrécir can be traced back to the Latin word “retractus,” meaning “drawn back” or “reduced.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe the action of something becoming smaller or more compact.

Here are three simple examples of its usage in everyday French:

1) Les vêtements rétrécissent lorsqu’ils sont lavés à l’eau chaude.
Translation: Clothes shrink when they are washed in hot water.

2) Les rayons du soleil ont eu pour effet de rétrécir le tissu.
Translation: The sun’s rays caused the fabric to shrink.

3) La ville a rétréci au fil des ans en raison de la baisse de population.
Translation: The city has shrunk over the years due to a decrease in population.

Rétrécir – 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 rétrécir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je rétrécis	Je rétrécis mon pull.	I am shrinking my sweater.
Tu	Tu rétrécis	Tu rétrécis les rideaux.	You are shrinking the curtains.
Il	Il rétrécit	Il rétrécit le pantalon.	He is shrinking the pants.
Elle	Elle rétrécit	Elle rétrécit la robe.	She is shrinking the dress.
On	On rétrécit	On rétrécit les vêtements en coton.	We are shrinking the cotton clothes.
Nous	Nous rétrécissons	Nous rétrécissons nos chapeaux.	We are shrinking our hats.
Vous	Vous rétrécissez	Vous rétrécissez les chemises.	You are shrinking the shirts.
Ils	Ils rétrécissent	Ils rétrécissent les pulls en laine.	They are shrinking the wool sweaters.
Elles	Elles rétrécissent	Elles rétrécissent les jupes.	They are shrinking the skirts.