Unit 2 · Lesson 2
Être: To Be
Être is the most used verb in French. You need it to describe people, places, professions, and emotions.
être (present tense)
Learn the conjugation
Six forms, flip each card to practise.
être conjugation
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French
je suis
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English
I am
[ʒə sɥi]: The most used form. 'Je suis étudiant(e).' Also used in fixed expressions: 'Je suis désolé(e)' (I'm sorry).
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Être in action
Real sentences using être, see the translation on each flip.
Example sentences
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French
Je suis étudiant(e).
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English
I am a student.
Add -e for feminine: étudiante. No article needed with professions after être.
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Match the forms
Connect each conjugated form to its English meaning.
être pairs
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Click a French word, then click its English match.
Fill in the blank
Complete each sentence with the correct form of être.
être conjugation practice
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Hint: être (je form)
I am a student.
Quick quiz
Four questions to check your être knowledge.
être quiz
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Complete: 'Nous ___ en retard.' (We are late.)
You can conjugate être, one of French's two key verbs.
Next: avoir (to have), the other essential verb, with some surprising uses you won't expect.