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

Introduction to the verb vigiler

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The English translation of the French verb vigiler is “to keep watch” or “to be vigilant.” It is pronounced as “vee-zhee-lay.”
The word vigiler comes from the Latin word “vigilare,” meaning “to keep watch.” In modern French, it is most often used in everyday language to describe being attentive or watchful, often in a situation that requires caution or surveillance.

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Examples:

Il faut vigiler lorsqu’on traverse la rue. (One must be vigilant when crossing the street.)
Les gardes-frontières doivent vigiler en permanence. (Border guards must be constantly vigilant.)
Elle a vigilé toute la nuit auprès de son bébé malade. (She kept watch all night by her sick baby’s bedside.)

Vigiler – 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 vigiler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	Je veille	Je veille sur le bébé.	I am watching over the baby.
Tu	Tu veilles	Tu veilles tard ce soir.	You are staying up late tonight.
Il	Il veille	Il veille sur la ville.	He is keeping watch over the city.
Elle	Elle veille	Elle veille sur ses enfants.	She is watching over her children.
On	On veille	On veille à la sécurité de tous.	We are ensuring everyone’s safety.
Nous	Nous veillons	Nous veillons sur la maison.	We are keeping an eye on the house.
Vous	Vous veillez	Vous veillez toujours à vos responsabilités.	You always take care of your responsibilities.
Ils	Ils veillent	Ils veillent sur leur mère malade.	They are watching over their sick mother.
Elles	Elles veillent	Elles veillent tard ce soir.	They are staying up late tonight.