Essential Verbs: Être and Avoir

These two verbs are the foundation of French. Master them, and you'll unlock countless expressions!

Être (to be)

Present Tense: - je suis (I am) - tu es (you are - informal) - il/elle/on est (he/she/one is) - nous sommes (we are) - vous êtes (you are - formal/plural) - ils/elles sont (they are)

Uses: 1. Identity: Je suis étudiant(e) (I am a student) 2. Description: Elle est intelligente (She is intelligent) 3. Location: Nous sommes à Montréal (We are in Montreal) 4. Time: Il est trois heures (It is three o'clock)

Avoir (to have)

Present Tense: - j'ai (I have) - tu as (you have) - il/elle/on a (he/she/one has) - nous avons (we have) - vous avez (you have) - ils/elles ont (they have)

Uses: 1. Possession: J'ai un vélo (I have a bike) 2. Age: Fatima a vingt ans (Fatima is twenty years old) 3. Expressions: avoir faim (to be hungry), avoir raison (to be right)

Cultural Note on Tu vs Vous

The choice between tu and vous varies by region and context: - France: Generally more formal, vous with strangers - Quebec: Often quicker to use tu - Africa: Varies by country and generation - Online: Usually tu among peers

When in doubt, start with vous—people will tell you if they prefer tu!