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

Introduction to the verb tournicoter

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The English translation of the French verb tournicoter is “to fidget” or “to twirl around.” The infinitive form is pronounced “toor-nee-ko-tay.”

Table of Contents

Tournicoter is derived from the French word “tournicote,” meaning “fidget.” It is most often used in everyday French to describe someone who is constantly moving or fidgeting, often in a restless or nervous manner.

Examples:
1) Arrête de tournicoter avec ta bague, tu vas la perdre. (Stop fidgeting with your ring, you’re going to lose it.)
2) Le bébé tournicotait dans son berceau avant de s’endormir. (The baby fidgeted in his crib before falling asleep.)
3) Elle se tournicotait les cheveux pendant qu’elle étudiait. (She twirled her hair while she was studying.)

Tournicoter – 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 tournicoter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	tournicote	Je tournicote dans ma chaise.	I fidget in my chair.
Tu	tournicotes	Tu tournicotes avec ton stylo.	You fidget with your pen.
Il	tournicote	Il tournicote autour de la table.	He fidgets around the table.
Elle	tournicote	Elle tournicote ses cheveux.	She fidgets with her hair.
On	tournicote	On tournicote quand on est nerveux.	We fidget when we’re nervous.
Nous	tournicotons	Nous tournicotons ensemble.	We fidget together.
Vous	tournicotez	Vous tournicotez pendant les réunions.	You fidget during meetings.
Ils	tournicotent	Ils tournicotent en attendant le bus.	They fidget while waiting for the bus.
Elles	tournicotent	Elles tournicotent en discutant.	They fidget while talking.