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

Introduction to the verb spécifier

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The English translation of the French verb spécifier is “to specify.” It is pronounced as “spe-see-fiey” in its infinitive form.

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Spécifier comes from the Latin word “specificare,” which means “to make specific.” It is most often used in everyday French to indicate a specific detail or requirement, or to provide more precise information.

Here are three simple examples of its usage:

Il faut spécifier vos préférences lors de la réservation. (You need to specify your preferences when making the reservation.)
Je vais spécifier la date exacte dans l’e-mail. (I will specify the exact date in the email.)
N’oubliez pas de spécifier votre taille lors de la commande. (Don’t forget to specify your size when placing the order.)

Spécifier – 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 spécifier

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	spécifie	Je spécifie les détails du contrat.	I specify the details of the contract.
tu	spécifies	Tu specifies les ingrédients nécessaires.	You specify the necessary ingredients.
il	spécifie	Il spécifie les dimensions de la pièce.	He specifies the dimensions of the room.
elle	spécifie	Elle spécifie les étapes à suivre.	She specifies the steps to follow.
on	spécifie	On spécifie les règles du jeu.	We specify the rules of the game.
nous	spécifions	Nous spécifions les conditions de paiement.	We specify the payment conditions.
vous	spécifiez	Vous spécifiez les préférences de voyage.	You specify the travel preferences.
ils	spécifient	Ils spécifient les exigences du poste.	They specify the job requirements.
elles	spécifient	Elles spécifient les différentes options.	They specify the different options.