Être Conjugation: Complete Guide to "To Be" in French

"Être" (to be) is the most important verb in French. It's irregular, but once you master it, you unlock countless expressions. Here's your complete guide.

Present Tense (Présent)

• Je suis — I am
• Tu es — You are
• Il/Elle est — He/She is
• Nous sommes — We are
• Vous êtes — You are
• Ils/Elles sont — They are

Past Tense (Passé Composé)

• J'ai été — I was
• Tu as été — You were
• Il/Elle a été — He/She was
• Nous avons été — We were
• Vous avez été — You were
• Ils/Elles ont été — They were

Imperfect (Imparfait)

• J'étais — I was
• Tu étais — You were
• Il/Elle était — He/She was
• Nous étions — We were
• Vous étiez — You were
• Ils/Elles étaient — They were

Future (Futur Simple)

• Je serai — I will be
• Tu seras — You will be
• Il/Elle sera — He/She will be
• Nous serons — We will be
• Vous serez — You will be
• Ils/Elles seront — They will be

Uses of Être

Descriptions

• "Je suis grand" — I am tall
• "Elle est heureuse" — She is happy

Identity

• "Je suis professeur" — I am a teacher
• "Il est mon ami" — He is my friend

Location

• "Je suis ici" — I am here
• "Elle est à la maison" — She is at home

Common Expressions

• Être en train de — To be in the process of
• C'est — It is/This is
• Ça va — How are you? (I'm fine)

Master Être

The best way to master "être" is through daily practice. Use it in conversations, get feedback, and learn through context. Try Parlai and practice French through real conversations with immediate feedback.