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

Introduction to the verb torpiller

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The English translation of the French verb torpiller is “to torpedo.” It is pronounced as “tor-pee-yay” in its infinitive form.

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The word “torpiller” comes from the noun “torpille,” which means “torpedo” in French. It is most often used in everyday French to describe the action of attacking or destroying something, often in a covert or underhanded manner.

Here are three simple examples of how “torpiller” can be used in French:

Le journaliste a réussi à torpiller la réputation du politicien en publiant des informations compromettantes. (The journalist managed to torpedo the politician’s reputation by publishing compromising information.)
Les entreprises de textile sont en train d’être torpillées par la concurrence des pays à bas coût de main d’oeuvre. (Textile companies are being torpedoed by competition from low-wage countries.)
Il a torpillé l’idée de partir en vacances ensemble en proposant un autre plan sans en parler à personne. (He torpedoed the idea of going on vacation together by suggesting another plan without discussing it with anyone.)

Torpiller – 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 torpiller

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	torpille	Je torpille le bateau.	I torpedo the boat.
Tu	torpilles	Tu torpilles le sous-marin.	You torpedo the submarine.
Il	torpille	Il torpille le navire ennemi.	He torpedoes the enemy ship.
Elle	torpille	Elle torpille le porte-avions.	She torpedoes the aircraft carrier.
On	torpille	On torpille le navire de guerre.	One torpedoes the warship.
Nous	torpillons	Nous torpillons le bâtiment.	We torpedo the building.
Vous	torpillez	Vous torpillez le croiseur.	You torpedo the cruiser.
Ils	torpillent	Ils torpillent le cargo.	They torpedo the cargo ship.
Elles	torpillent	Elles torpillent le destroyer.	They torpedo the destroyer.