Imparfait basics

Foreign Languages

Definition

The imparfait (imperfect tense) in French describes ongoing, habitual, or background actions in the past. It is formed by taking the 'nous' form of the present tense, dropping '-ons,' and adding imparfait endings. The only exception is 'être,' which uses the stem 'ét-.'

How It Works

  1. Conjugate the verb in the present tense 'nous' form (e.g., nous parlons).
  2. Remove the '-ons' ending to get the stem (parl-).
  3. Add the imparfait endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.
  4. For 'être,' use the irregular stem 'ét-' and add the same endings.

Examples

  • 'Quand j'étais petit, je jouais dehors' — When I was little, I used to play outside
  • 'Il faisait beau' — The weather was nice (background description)
  • 'Nous mangions toujours à midi' — We always used to eat at noon
Key Fact

Endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient. Only irregular stem: être → ét-

Related Terms

Passé composé with avoir Passé composé with être Preterite vs imperfect Être and avoir

Study This Concept

Practice imparfait basics with free review games in these units:

French 1-2 Unit 11: Past Tense (Passé Composé)