A1 French GrammarCommon Verbs (être, avoir)
Master the two most essential French verbs: être (to be) and avoir (to have). These irregular verbs are used constantly in everyday speech and form the basis for compound tenses. Their conjugations must be memorized as they are highly irregular.
1Être (To Be) - Present Tense
'Être' is one of the most irregular verbs in French. It is used to describe identity, nationality, profession, location, characteristics, and states. It is also the auxiliary verb for many compound tenses with certain verbs of motion.
Être Conjugation
| Subject | Conjugation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| je | suis | Je suis français. |
| tu | es | Tu es gentil. |
| il/elle/on | est | Elle est médecin. |
| nous | sommes | Nous sommes ici. |
| vous | êtes | Vous êtes prêts? |
| ils/elles | sont | Ils sont contents. |
Examples
Je suis étudiant.
I am a student.
Identity - no article
Nous sommes fatigués.
We are tired.
State/condition
Il est sept heures.
It is seven o'clock.
Time telling
C'est mon ami.
This is my friend.
c'est = it is / this is
2Avoir (To Have) - Present Tense
'Avoir' is also highly irregular. It expresses possession but is also used in many expressions where English uses 'to be': avoir faim (to be hungry), avoir soif (to be thirsty), avoir peur (to be afraid). It is the main auxiliary verb for compound tenses.
Avoir Conjugation
| Subject | Conjugation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| j' | ai | J'ai un frère. |
| tu | as | Tu as raison. |
| il/elle/on | a | Il a vingt ans. |
| nous | avons | Nous avons faim. |
| vous | avez | Vous avez le temps? |
| ils/elles | ont | Elles ont une voiture. |
Examples
J'ai deux soeurs.
I have two sisters.
Possession
Il a vingt-cinq ans.
He is twenty-five years old.
Age uses avoir
Nous avons faim.
We are hungry.
avoir faim = to be hungry
Avez-vous des questions?
Do you have any questions?
Inversion for question
3Expressions with Avoir
French uses 'avoir' in many expressions where English uses 'to be'. Learning these idiomatic expressions is essential for natural French. They often describe physical sensations, emotions, or states that English expresses with 'be + adjective'.
Avoir Expressions
| French | Literal | English |
|---|---|---|
| avoir faim | to have hunger | to be hungry |
| avoir soif | to have thirst | to be thirsty |
| avoir chaud | to have hot | to be hot |
| avoir froid | to have cold | to be cold |
| avoir peur | to have fear | to be afraid |
| avoir raison | to have reason | to be right |
| avoir tort | to have wrong | to be wrong |
| avoir besoin de | to have need of | to need |
Examples
J'ai soif. Je veux de l'eau.
I am thirsty. I want some water.
avoir soif = to be thirsty
Tu as raison!
You are right!
avoir raison = to be right
Elle a peur des araignées.
She is afraid of spiders.
avoir peur de = to be afraid of
J'ai besoin de dormir.
I need to sleep.
avoir besoin de = to need
4Être vs. Avoir Usage
Knowing when to use être vs. avoir is crucial. Use être for identity, location, characteristics, and with certain verbs in compound tenses. Use avoir for possession, age, and many idiomatic expressions about physical/emotional states.
When to Use Each
| Context | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| identity | être | Je suis professeur. |
| location | être | Le livre est sur la table. |
| possession | avoir | Elle a un chien. |
| age | avoir | Il a dix ans. |
| weather (personal) | avoir | J'ai chaud. |
| weather (general) | faire | Il fait chaud. |
Examples
Je suis à Paris.
I am in Paris.
être for location
J'ai trente ans.
I am thirty years old.
avoir for age
Elle est intelligente.
She is intelligent.
être for characteristics
Il a mal à la tête.
He has a headache.
avoir mal à = to have pain in