Je voudrais un café.
English: I would like a coffee.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Modes subjonctif et conditionnel
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The 'conditionnel présent' in French is a verb tense used to express actions that would happen under certain conditions. It is similar to saying 'would' in English.
When to use it
In French, use the conditionnel présent to express wishes, polite requests, suggestions, or possibilities that depend on a condition. It is also used after 'si' (if) clauses in hypothetical situations.
Key forms
- Infinitive of the verb + endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
- Example: parler → je parlerais, finir → tu finirais, vendre → il vendrait
Examples
Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais plus.
English: If I had time, I would travel more.
Nous pourrions aller au cinéma ce soir.
English: We could go to the cinema tonight.
Elle aimerait apprendre le français.
English: She would like to learn French.
Tips
- Always use the infinitive form plus the correct endings.
- With 'si' clauses, use the imparfait in the 'si' part and the conditionnel présent in the result.
- Some verbs have irregular stems in the conditionnel (like être → je serais, avoir → j'aurais).
Exceptions and edge cases
- Irregular verbs have special stems (e.g., aller → ir-, voir → verr-, faire → fer-).
- For verbs ending in -re, drop the final 'e' before adding the endings.