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

Introduction to the verb vêtir

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The English translation of the French verb vêtir is “to dress” or “to clothe.” It is pronounced as “vet-eer.”

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Vêtir is derived from the Latin word “vestire,” meaning “to clothe.” In everyday French, it is most often used to describe the action of dressing oneself or someone else. It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as “to dress up” or “to cover.”

Examples of vêtir in everyday French:

Je vais vêtir mon enfant pour l’école. (I am going to dress my child for school.)
Il faut vêtir les blessés avant de les transporter à l’hôpital. (We need to dress the wounded before transporting them to the hospital.)
Elle adore vêtir ses poupées avec de jolis vêtements. (She loves dressing her dolls in pretty clothes.)

Translation:

I am going to dress my child for school.
We need to dress the wounded before transporting them to the hospital.
She loves dressing her dolls in pretty clothes.

Vêtir – 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 vêtir

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	je vêts	Je vêts une robe.	I am wearing a dress.
Tu	tu vêts	Tu vêts un costume.	You are wearing a suit.
Il	il vêt	Il vêt un manteau.	He is wearing a coat.
Elle	elle vêt	Elle vêt une jupe.	She is wearing a skirt.
On	on vêt	On vêt des vêtements chauds.	One is wearing warm clothes.
Nous	nous vêtons	Nous vêtons des habits de soirée.	We are wearing evening clothes.
Vous	vous vêtez	Vous vêtez une chemise.	You are wearing a shirt.
Ils	ils vêtent	Ils vêtent des chapeaux.	They are wearing hats.
Elles	elles vêtent	Elles vêtent des pantalons.	They are wearing pants.