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

Introduction to the verb tricoter

Get the present tense conjugation of tricoter. 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 tricoter is “to knit.” It is pronounced “tree-koh-tay.”

Table of Contents

The language origin of tricoter can be traced back to the Latin word “tricae,” meaning “difficulties” or “troubles,” as knitting was historically seen as a complex and time-consuming task. In everyday French, tricoter is used to refer to the act of knitting, as well as the action of creating or producing something by knitting.

Je tricote un pull pour mon frère. (I am knitting a sweater for my brother.)
Ma grand-mère tricote depuis qu’elle est petite. (My grandmother has been knitting since she was young.)
Nous allons apprendre à tricoter des écharpes au cours de cuisine. (We are going to learn how to knit scarves in cooking class.)

(English translations: 1. I am knitting a sweater for my brother. 2. My grandmother has been knitting since she was young. 3. We are going to learn how to knit scarves in cooking class.)

Tricoter – 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 tricoter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	tricote	Je tricote tous les soirs.	I knit every evening.
Tu	tricotes	Tu tricotes un pull pour moi.	You are knitting a sweater for me.
Il	tricote	Il tricote avec habileté.	He is knitting skillfully.
Elle	tricote	Elle tricote une écharpe.	She is knitting a scarf.
On	tricote	On tricote en regardant la télé.	We are knitting while watching TV.
Nous	tricotons	Nous tricotons en groupe.	We are knitting together.
Vous	tricotez	Vous tricotez pour votre bébé.	You are knitting for your baby.
Ils	tricotent	Ils tricotent pour la vente.	They are knitting for sale.
Elles	tricotent	Elles tricotent en discutant.	They are knitting while chatting.