Introduction
The French verb "appeler" is essential for communication, used to express the act of calling or naming. It is a versatile verb that appears in a variety of contexts, from making phone calls to giving someone a name.
Conjugation
Present Tense
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | appelle |
| Tu | appelles |
| Il/Elle/On | appelle |
| Nous | appelons |
| Vous | appelez |
| Ils/Elles | appellent |
Imperfect Tense
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | appelait |
| Tu | appelais |
| Il/Elle/On | appelait |
| Nous | appelions |
| Vous | appeliez |
| Ils/Elles | appelaient |
Past Participle
- Appelé
Compound Past (Passé Composé)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Je | ai appelé |
| Tu | as appelé |
| Il/Elle/On | a appelé |
| Nous | avons appelé |
| Vous | avez appelé |
| Ils/Elles | ont appelé |
Usage Examples
Present Tense
- Je m'appelle Jacques.
My name is Jacques.
(Literally: I call myself Jacques.)
- Elle appelle sa mère chaque soir.
She calls her mother every evening.
- Ils appellent le chien.
They are calling the dog.
Imperfect Tense
- Il appelait son ami tous les jours.
He used to call his friend every day.
- Nous appelions ce lieu "Le Vieux Moulin".
We used to call this place "The Old Mill."
- Elle appelait toujours avant de venir.
She always called before coming.
Past Participle
- J’ai appelé le docteur hier.
I called the doctor yesterday.
- Elle a appelé pour confirmer la réservation.
She called to confirm the reservation.
- Ils ont appelé la police après l'incident.
They called the police after the incident.
Common Expressions with Appeler
- Appeler à l’aide
To call for help
- Appeler un médecin
To call a doctor
- Appeler quelqu’un par son nom
To call someone by their name
- S’appeler
To be named / To be called
Related Vocabulary
| French | English |
|---|---|
| un appel | a call |
| un nom | a name |
| le téléphone | the telephone |
| nommer | to name |
| crier | to shout |
| contacter | to contact |
Conclusion
"Appeler" is a fundamental verb in French, crucial for both everyday communication and formal interactions. Whether you are making a phone call, introducing yourself, or referring to someone by name, "appeler" is the verb you need. Its uses extend beyond mere communication, helping to establish identity and convey important messages.
By mastering the conjugations and contexts of "appeler," you will enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively in French.