Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn to conjugate and use the French irregular verbs "faire," "prendre," and "dire" in the present tense. This lesson covers their unique conjugations, pronunciation tips, and practical examples to help you communicate effectively in French at an A1 beginner level.
Verbe: FaireVerbe: PrendreVerbe: Dire
Je faisJe prendsJe dis
Tu faisTu prendsTu dis
Il/ Elle/ On faitIl/ Elle/ On prendIl/ Elle/ On dit
Nous faisonsNous prenonsNous disons
Vous faitesVous prenezVous dites
Ils/ Elles fontIls/ Elles prennentIls/ Elles disent

Exceptions!

  1. The first syllable of the verb faire in the second person plural is pronounced /ə/.

Exercise 1: Les verbes irréguliers : "Faire", "Prendre", "Dire"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

fais, disent, prends, prennent, dites, disons, faites, fait

1. Dire :
Vous ... au caissier que vous allez payer en carte bancaire.
(You tell the cashier that you are going to pay by bank card.)
2. Prendre :
Depuis deux mois, je ... des cours à l'université.
(For two months, I have been taking courses at the university.)
3. Faire :
Tu ... une allergie alors tu vas à la pharmacie.
(You are having an allergy so you go to the pharmacy.)
4. Faire :
Toi et ta copine ... du sport au gymnase tous les mardis.
(You and your girlfriend do sport at the gym every Tuesday.)
5. Prendre :
Ils ... la nouvelle carte de la banque.
(They take the new bank card.)
6. Dire :
Nous ... au plombier qu'il y a de l'eau dans la salle de bain.
(We tell the plumber that there is water in the bathroom.)
7. Dire :
Elles ... qu'elles n'aiment pas aller à l'école.
(They say they don't like going to school.)
8. Faire :
Le coiffeur ... les plus belles coiffures de la ville.
(The hairdresser creates the most beautiful hairstyles in the city.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Je ___ mes courses à la pharmacie près de la station essence.

(I ___ my shopping at the pharmacy near the gas station.)

2. Nous ___ le bus pour aller à l'école.

(We ___ the bus to go to school.)

3. Tu ___ souvent où se trouve la bibliothèque.

(You ___ often where the library is located.)

4. Ils ___ du sport au gymnase tous les samedis.

(They ___ sports at the gym every Saturday.)

5. Vous ___ la rue à droite pour trouver la banque.

(You ___ the street to the right to find the bank.)

6. Nous ___ bonjour au plombier quand il arrive.

(We ___ hello to the plumber when he arrives.)

Understanding Irregular Verbs: "Faire", "Prendre", and "Dire"

In this lesson, you will explore three essential French irregular verbs: faire (to do/make), prendre (to take), and dire (to say/tell). These verbs are common in daily conversations and do not follow regular conjugation patterns, making them important to learn thoroughly.

Conjugation Overview

Each verb conjugates differently in the present tense, and mastering their forms helps you express actions accurately.

  • Faire: Je fais, Tu fais, Il/Elle fait, Nous faisons, Vous faites, Ils/Elles font
  • Prendre: Je prends, Tu prends, Il/Elle prend, Nous prenons, Vous prenez, Ils/Elles prennent
  • Dire: Je dis, Tu dis, Il/Elle dit, Nous disons, Vous dites, Ils/Elles disent

Key Pronunciation Note

Notice that in faire, the first syllable at the second-person plural (vous faites) is pronounced /ə/, which slightly softens the sound.

Useful Phrases and Practice

Practice these verbs in common sentences: "Je fais mes courses à la pharmacie," "Nous prenons le bus pour aller à l'école," and "Nous disons bonjour au plombier." These examples will enhance your confidence and comprehension.

Differences Between English and French Usage

Unlike English verbs, French irregular verbs change significantly and are often less predictable. For example, the English verb "to take" stays mostly the same in present forms, while prendre varies considerably. Additionally, verbs like dire use distinct forms for "you" and "he/she," whereas English pronouns don't affect verb spelling.

Useful phrases include "Je fais..." (I do...), "Tu prends..." (You take...), and "Il dit..." (He says...). These convey direct actions and are foundational in everyday conversation.

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Azéline Perrin

Bachelor Degree in Applied Foreign Languages

Université de Lorraine

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 29/05/2025 15:59