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The verb aller in French
28.12.2024
4 minutes to read
The verb aller is one of the most important and frequently used verbs in French. It belongs to the group of irregular verbs, so its forms do not obey the standard conjugation rules. But don't worry! Once you learn it once, you can easily use it in speaking, writing, and even to create the future tense (futur proche).
In this article, we will understand what this verb means, how to conjugate it correctly and how to use it in everyday life. Here you will find useful examples and practical tips for learning.
In this article, we will understand what this verb means, how to conjugate it correctly and how to use it in everyday life. Here you will find useful examples and practical tips for learning.
Table of contents
At first glance, aller seems simple, because most often it is translated as "to go" or "to drive". But in reality, this verb is much more interesting, because its meaning changes depending on the situation.
The basic meanings of the verb aller:
1. Motion: aller is often used to say that someone is heading somewhere:
Je vais à l'école. - I'm going to school.
Nous allons à Paris. - We're going to Paris.
2. State of affairs: In colloquial speech aller is used to ask or tell about affairs:
Ça va? - How is it going? (literally "is it coming?").
Ça va bien, merci. - It's all right, thank you.
3. Going to do something: Aller is used to form futur proche (near future):
Je vais étudier ce soir. - I'll be studying tonight.
Ils vont regarder un film. - They are going to see a movie.
As you can see, one verb can be very versatile! It is suitable for everyday communication and helps to express a variety of ideas.
The basic meanings of the verb aller:
1. Motion: aller is often used to say that someone is heading somewhere:
Je vais à l'école. - I'm going to school.
Nous allons à Paris. - We're going to Paris.
2. State of affairs: In colloquial speech aller is used to ask or tell about affairs:
Ça va? - How is it going? (literally "is it coming?").
Ça va bien, merci. - It's all right, thank you.
3. Going to do something: Aller is used to form futur proche (near future):
Je vais étudier ce soir. - I'll be studying tonight.
Ils vont regarder un film. - They are going to see a movie.
As you can see, one verb can be very versatile! It is suitable for everyday communication and helps to express a variety of ideas.
Meaning and translation of the verb aller
Conjugation of the verb aller in French
Aller is an irregular verb, so you just need to memorize its forms. Here is the conjugation table for the present tense (présent de l'indicatif):
Example of use in sentences:
• Je vais au supermarché. - I'm going to the supermarket.
• Vous allez bien? - Are you all right?
• Ils vont à la plage. - They're going to the beach.
Notice how much the aller forms differ from person to person! That's what makes it wrong. But that's what makes it so interesting and unique. Remember that correct pronunciation is also important, especially if you want to sound like a real Frenchman!
• Je vais au supermarché. - I'm going to the supermarket.
• Vous allez bien? - Are you all right?
• Ils vont à la plage. - They're going to the beach.
Notice how much the aller forms differ from person to person! That's what makes it wrong. But that's what makes it so interesting and unique. Remember that correct pronunciation is also important, especially if you want to sound like a real Frenchman!
Examples of use
To make the verb aller stick in your memory, let's look at different situations where it might come in handy.
Example 1. Expressing motion
• Tu vas où? - Where are you going?
• Nous allons au musée demain. - We're going to the museum tomorrow.
• Je vais en Italie cet été. - I will go to Italy this summer.
Example 2. Asking about business
• Ça va? - How are you?
• Oui, ça va très bien! - Yes, it's perfect!
• Et toi, comment ça va? - And you, how are you?
Example 3. Talking about the future
• Je vais apprendre le français. - I'm going to learn French.
• Elle va visiter ses amis. - She is going to visit her friends.
• Ils vont organiser une fête. - They are going to organize a party.
Example 4. Expressing mood
• Ça ne va pas. - Everything is bad (literally "it's not going").
• Tu vas bien? - Are you okay?
• Je vais mieux, merci. - I feel better, thank you.
Useful tips
• Combination with prepositions: Aller is often accompanied by the prepositions à, au, aux, which depend on the gender and number of the noun. For example:
Aller à la plage (to the beach).
Aller au cinéma (at the movies).
Aller aux États-Unis (in the United States).
• Learn by practicing: Practice building simple phrases with this verb. For example:
Je vais au parc chaque jour. - I go to the park every day.
Nous allons au café avec des amis. - We're going to a café with friends.
• Don't forget futur proche! This is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to talk about the future. Just add the infinitive of another verb after aller:
Je vais lire. - I'll read.
Nous allons voyager. - We're going to travel.
• Listen to native speakers: If possible, listen to how the French use the verb aller in real life. This will help you understand intonation and context.
The verb aller is a real boon for those learning French. It helps to express movement, mood, state of mind and even future plans. Memorize its conjugation, practice using it and you will notice how easy it will be to construct sentences and communicate in French.
This verb is your key to simple and clear French! Start applying it today and success won't be long in coming. 😊
Example 1. Expressing motion
• Tu vas où? - Where are you going?
• Nous allons au musée demain. - We're going to the museum tomorrow.
• Je vais en Italie cet été. - I will go to Italy this summer.
Example 2. Asking about business
• Ça va? - How are you?
• Oui, ça va très bien! - Yes, it's perfect!
• Et toi, comment ça va? - And you, how are you?
Example 3. Talking about the future
• Je vais apprendre le français. - I'm going to learn French.
• Elle va visiter ses amis. - She is going to visit her friends.
• Ils vont organiser une fête. - They are going to organize a party.
Example 4. Expressing mood
• Ça ne va pas. - Everything is bad (literally "it's not going").
• Tu vas bien? - Are you okay?
• Je vais mieux, merci. - I feel better, thank you.
Useful tips
• Combination with prepositions: Aller is often accompanied by the prepositions à, au, aux, which depend on the gender and number of the noun. For example:
Aller à la plage (to the beach).
Aller au cinéma (at the movies).
Aller aux États-Unis (in the United States).
• Learn by practicing: Practice building simple phrases with this verb. For example:
Je vais au parc chaque jour. - I go to the park every day.
Nous allons au café avec des amis. - We're going to a café with friends.
• Don't forget futur proche! This is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to talk about the future. Just add the infinitive of another verb after aller:
Je vais lire. - I'll read.
Nous allons voyager. - We're going to travel.
• Listen to native speakers: If possible, listen to how the French use the verb aller in real life. This will help you understand intonation and context.
The verb aller is a real boon for those learning French. It helps to express movement, mood, state of mind and even future plans. Memorize its conjugation, practice using it and you will notice how easy it will be to construct sentences and communicate in French.
This verb is your key to simple and clear French! Start applying it today and success won't be long in coming. 😊
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