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

Introduction to the verb traverser

Get the present tense conjugation of traverser. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb traverser is “to cross.” It is pronounced “trah-vair-say” in its infinitive form.

Table of Contents

The word traverser comes from the Latin word “transversare,” meaning “to cross over.” In everyday French, it is most often used to indicate physically crossing from one place to another, but it can also be used in a figurative sense to indicate moving through or navigating a difficult situation.

Example 1: Je traverse la rue. (I am crossing the street.)

Example 2: Nous avons traversé le désert en 4×4. (We crossed the desert in a 4×4.)

Example 3: Elle traverse une période difficile en ce moment. (She is going through a difficult time right now.)

Traverser – 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 traverser

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	traverse	Je traverse la rue.	I am crossing the street.
Tu	traverses	Tu traverses la forêt.	You are crossing the forest.
Il	traverse	Il traverse le pont.	He is crossing the bridge.
Elle	traverse	Elle traverse la rivière.	She is crossing the river.
On	traverse	On traverse le désert.	One is crossing the desert.
Nous	traversons	Nous traversons la ville.	We are crossing the city.
Vous	traversez	Vous traversez la montagne.	You are crossing the mountain.
Ils	traversent	Ils traversent le champ.	They are crossing the field.
Elles	traversent	Elles traversent la frontière.	They are crossing the border.