Lesson on the Verb “Faire” (To Do, To Make)
| Person | Conjugation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| je (I) | fais | /fe/ |
| tu (you sg.) | fais | /fe/ |
| il/elle (he/she) | fait | /fe/ |
| nous (we) | faisons | /fe.zɔ̃/ |
| vous (you pl.) | faites | /fɛt/ |
| ils/elles (they) | font | /fɔ̃/ |
Usage:
The verb faire is frequently used to express an activity, profession, project, preparation, study, etc. When asking the question What are you doing? (Tu fais quoi? Qu’est-ce que tu fais? Que fais-tu?), there are many possible answers depending on the context. Here are the different uses of the verb faire.
Definitions and Examples:
1) Faire + household task
Examples:
- Je fais le ménage. I am doing the cleaning.
- Je fais les courses. I am doing the shopping.
- Je fais la lessive. I am doing the laundry.
2) Faire + studies
Examples:
- Je fais mes devoirs. I am doing my homework.
- Je fais de l’anglais. I am studying English.
- Je fais du français. I am studying French.
3) Faire = to prepare
Examples:
- Je fais un gâteau. I am making a cake.
- Je fais un château de sable. I am making a sandcastle.
4) Faire + de + activity (sports or leisure activities)
Examples:
- Je fais du sport. I am doing sports.
- Je fais du judo. I am doing judo.
- Je fais de la danse. I am dancing.
- Je fais de l’équitation. I am horseback riding.
5) Faire quoi dans la vie = What do you do for a living (profession)
Question:
- Tu fais quoi dans la vie? What do you do for a living?
Answers:
- Je suis employé(e). I am employed.
- Je suis étudiant(e). I am a student.
- Je suis retraité(e). I am retired.
- Je travaille comme serveur dans un café. I work as a waiter in a cafe.
6) Faire quoi + project + time
Question:
- Tu fais quoi demain? What are you doing tomorrow?
- Qu’est-ce que tu fais demain? What are you doing tomorrow?
- Que fais-tu demain? What are you doing tomorrow?
↳ Review the interrogative form in French.
Answer:
- Demain, je fais un pique-nique. Tomorrow, I am having a picnic.
- Demain, je fais une randonnée avec des amis allemands. Tomorrow, I am going hiking with German friends.
This lesson demonstrates the versatile uses of the verb faire in French, showing how it can be applied in various contexts from daily activities to professional life. Remember these examples as you practice speaking and writing in French.