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What is the French verb to forget?

Published in French Verbs 2 mins read

The French verb for 'to forget' is oublier. This verb is fundamental for expressing the act of not remembering something or someone.

Understanding "Oublier"

Oublier is a regular -ER verb in French, which means it follows a predictable conjugation pattern, making it relatively straightforward to learn. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to forgetting objects, appointments, or even people.

Present Tense Conjugation of "Oublier"

The verb oublier is frequently used in French. Here are its present tense conjugations, illustrating how it changes to reflect the subject performing the action:

Subject Pronoun Conjugation English Translation
Je (I) j'oublie I forget
Tu (You, informal) tu oublies You forget
Il/Elle/On (He/She/One) il/elle/on oublie He/She/One forgets
Nous (We) nous oublions We forget
Vous (You, formal/plural) vous oubliez You forget
Ils/Elles (They) ils/elles oublient They forget

As an example, "J'oublie" directly translates to "I forget."

Practical Usage and Examples

Understanding how to use oublier in different contexts can greatly enhance your French communication skills.

  • To forget an object:
    • "J'ai oublié mes clés." (I forgot my keys.)
    • "N'oublie pas ton parapluie!" (Don't forget your umbrella!)
  • To forget an appointment or task:
    • "Il a oublié son rendez-vous." (He forgot his appointment.)
    • "Nous n'oublions jamais de voter." (We never forget to vote.)
  • To forget a person (less common in direct translation, often implying a memory lapse):
    • "J'ai oublié son nom." (I forgot their name.)

For further exploration of French verb conjugations and usage, reputable French language resources can provide comprehensive information. Learn more about French verbs.