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

Introduction to the verb tripoter

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The English translation of the French verb tripoter is “to fiddle with” or “to touch or handle in a fidgety or restless manner.” It is pronounced as “tree-po-tay”.

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The origins of the word “tripoter” can be traced back to the Old French word “tripatier”, which means “to handle or touch with the hands.” In everyday French, it is often used to describe someone who is fidgeting or touching things nervously or playfully. It can also refer to manipulating someone or something in a sly or cunning manner.

Example 1: “Arrête de tripoter ton stylo, tu vas le casser.” (Stop fiddling with your pen, you’re going to break it.)
Example 2: “Il tripote toujours ses cheveux quand il est nerveux.” (He always plays with his hair when he’s nervous.)
Example 3: “Elle a réussi à tripoter son patron pour obtenir une promotion.” (She managed to manipulate her boss to get a promotion.)

Tripoter – 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 tripoter

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	tripote	Je tripote mon téléphone.	I fiddle with my phone.
Tu	tripotes	Tu tripotes tes cheveux.	You mess with your hair.
Il	tripote	Il tripote son stylo.	He fiddles with his pen.
Elle	tripote	Elle tripote son collier.	She fiddles with her necklace.
On	tripote	On tripote tout le temps.	We always mess with things.
Nous	tripotons	Nous tripotons nos billets.	We fiddle with our tickets.
Vous	tripotez	Vous tripotez votre nourriture.	You mess with your food.
Ils	tripotent	Ils tripotent leurs téléphones.	They fiddle with their phones.
Elles	tripotent	Elles tripotent leur maquillage.	They fiddle with their makeup.