Unit 3 · Lesson 3
Irregular Past Participles
Many of the most frequently used French verbs have past participles that do not follow the regular -é / -i / -u pattern. These irregular forms must be memorised individually, but many share recognisable groups that make learning them easier.
Notice the patterns: verbs ending in -u (vu, lu, bu, pu), verbs ending in -it (dit, écrit, fait), and verbs ending in -is (pris, mis). Grouping them this way dramatically cuts memorisation time.
Quick-reference: irregular past participles
-u group
avoir → eu
être → été
boire → bu
lire → lu
voir → vu
pouvoir → pu
vouloir → voulu
savoir → su
-it / -is group
faire → fait
dire → dit
écrire → écrit
prendre → pris
mettre → mis
other
ouvrir → ouvert
offrir → offert
Irregular past participles
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French
avoir
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English
eu: had
J'ai eu un problème.: I had a problem.
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Infinitive → irregular past participle
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Click a French word, then click its English match.
Use the irregular past participle
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Hint: avoir (vous avez) + past participle of faire → fait
What did you do this weekend?
Irregular past participles quiz
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What is the past participle of 'faire'?