Understanding the Verb "Faire" in French

In French, the verb "faire" means "to do" or "to make."

It's a really important verb you'll use all the time.

If you want to speak French, it’s important to know how to use "faire" in the present tense.

Let’s see how "faire" changes for different people and look at some examples.

Conjugation of "Faire" in the Present Tense

1. Je fais - I do / I make

   • Example: Je fais mes devoirs. (I do my homework.)

2. Tu fais - You (singular/informal) do / you make

   • Example: Tu fais un gâteau. (You are making a cake.)

3. Il/Elle/On fait - He/She/One does / makes

   • Example: Il fait du sport. (He plays sports.)
   • Example: Elle fait un dessin. (She is drawing.)
   • Example: On fait la fête. (One is celebrating.)

4. Nous faisons - We do / we make

   • Example: Nous faisons une promenade. (We are taking a walk.)

5. Vous faites - You (plural/formal) do / you make

   • Example: Vous faites du jardinage. (You are gardening.)

6. Ils/Elles font - They (masculine/feminine) do / make

   • Example: Ils font la cuisine. (They are cooking.)
   • Example: Elles font les courses. (They are grocery shopping.)

Summary of "Faire" Conjugation

| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation | |------------------|-------------|---------------------------| | Je | fais | I do / I make | | Tu | fais | You (informal) do/make | | Il/Elle/On | fait | He/She/One does/makes | | Nous | faisons | We do / We make | | Vous | faites | You (formal/plural) do/make| | Ils/Elles | font | They do / They make |

Tips for Using "Faire"

• Context is Important: "Faire" is used in many phrases. For example:

  • Faire attention means "to pay attention."
  • Faire la vaisselle means "to do the dishes."

• Common Phrases: Learn some helpful phrases with "faire." Here are a couple:

  • Faire la queue means "to stand in line."
  • Faire un voyage means "to take a trip."

Practice Sentences

Now, try making your own sentences using "faire" with different subjects. Here are a couple to help you start:

1. Nous faisons une fête. (We are having a party.)
2. Vous faites des exercices. (You are doing exercises.)

By learning and practicing these forms of "faire," you'll get better at saying what you do in French. Use these examples to expand your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills!