B1 · 中級 チャプター 7

Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2

5 トータルルール
52 例文
7 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the five 'power verbs' of the French subjunctive to express your deepest wishes and possibilities.

  • Conjugate five major irregular verbs in the subjunctive mood.
  • Identify stem changes in verbs like 'prendre' and 'venir'.
  • Express wishes, knowledge, and ability with natural native-like phrasing.
Unlock the emotional heart of French conversation.

学べること

Hey friend! Ready to make your French way more exciting? This chapter is a big step, but don't worry, it's easier than you think and will truly help you speak like a real French person! In this section, you'll get familiar with 5 of the most important irregular French verbs that are essential for expressing your wishes, possibilities, and desires. You'll learn how to use verbs like pouvoir (to be able to), savoir (to know), vouloir (to want), prendre (to take), and venir (to come) in the subjunctive mood – that 'mood of feelings and desires.' For example, imagine you want to tell your friend: 'I want him to come' or 'I hope you can do this.' These verbs are your saviors right here! You'll discover how the verb stems change (like prenne or vienne), which isn't complicated at all and will make you sound much more natural and fluent. After this chapter, you'll be able to express your desires and feelings much more precisely and confidently in various situations, whether you're planning something with a French friend or ordering at a cafe. Ready to take your French to the next level and shine? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to express possibilities using the irregular stem 'puiss-' for pouvoir.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to correctly use 'sache' and 'veuille' to express hopes and requirements regarding knowledge and will.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to manage the double-consonant stem changes in 'prendre' and 'venir' in the subjunctive.

チャプターガイド

Overview

Welcome back, future French fluency champion! You're diving into
Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2,
a crucial step in mastering French grammar B1. This chapter is designed to make your French sound incredibly natural and expressive, moving beyond basic communication to truly convey your feelings, wishes, and possibilities.
We're focusing on five powerhouse irregular French verbs: pouvoir (to be able to), savoir (to know), vouloir (to want), prendre (to take), and venir (to come). Understanding these verbs, especially in the French subjunctive mood, is a hallmark of B1 French proficiency and will significantly elevate your conversational skills.
The French subjunctive might seem intimidating at first, but it's essentially the
mood of feelings and desires.
It's what you use when you're not stating a fact, but rather expressing a wish, doubt, emotion, or necessity. By the end of this guide, you'll comfortably use phrases like
I want you to come
or
I hope she can do it
– expressions that are fundamental to everyday French. We'll explore how their unique stems (like prenne or vienne) make them irregular, but also predictable once you know the patterns.
Get ready to unlock a new level of nuance and confidence in your French!

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of this chapter is the French subjunctive, a grammatical mood used to express subjectivity, emotion, doubt, desire, or obligation. It's often triggered by specific conjunctions (like que - that) or verbs expressing these sentiments. For the verbs we're covering, the stem often changes significantly from their infinitive form.
Let's break down the rules for each:
French Subjunctive: The 'Can-Do' Mood (pouvoir)
The subjunctive of pouvoir (to be able to/can) is essential for expressing possibilities or abilities, often with a nuance of desire or doubt. Its stem is puiss- for all forms except *nous* and *vous*, which use puissions and puissiez.
* que je puisse (that I can/may)
* que tu puisses (that you can/may)
* qu'il/elle/on puisse (that he/she/one can/may)
* que nous puissions (that we can/may)
* que vous puissiez (that you can/may)
* qu'ils/elles puissent (that they can/may)
* Example: Il faut que je puisse t'aider. (It is necessary that I can help you.)
French Irregular Subjunctive: To Know (savoir)
The subjunctive of savoir (to know a fact/how to do something) uses the stem sach-.
* que je sache (that I know)
* que tu saches (that you know)
* qu'il/elle/on sache (that he/she/one knows)
* que nous sachions (that we know)
* que vous sachiez (that you know)
* qu'ils/elles sachent (that they know)
* Example: Je doute qu'il sache la vérité. (I doubt that he knows the truth.)
French Wishes: The Irregular Subjunctive of 'Vouloir' (vouloir)
The subjunctive of vouloir (to want) is crucial for expressing desires. Its stem is veuill-.
* que je veuille (that I want)
* que tu veuilles (that you want)
* qu'il/elle/on veuille (that he/she/one wants)
* que nous voulions (that we want) (Note the change for *nous*/*vous*)
* que vous vouliez (that you want)
* qu'ils/elles veuillent (that they want)
* Example: Je veux que tu veuilles venir. (I want you to want to come.)
French Subjunctive: Irregular Stems (prendre)
For prendre (to take), the subjunctive stem is prenn- for *je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles*, but prenions and preniez for *nous* and *vous*.
* que je prenne (that I take)
* que tu prennes (that you take)
* qu'il/elle/on prenne (that he/she/one takes)
* que nous prenions (that we take)
* que vous preniez (that you take)
* qu'ils/elles prennent (that they take)
* Example: Il est important que nous prenions une décision. (It is important that we make a decision.)
French Coming & Going: The Subjunctive of 'Venir'
The subjunctive of venir (to come) uses the stem vienn- for *je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles*, but venions and veniez for *nous* and *vous*.
* que je vienne (that I come)
* que tu viennes (that you come)
* qu'il/elle/on vienne (that he/she/one comes)
* que nous venions (that we come)
* que vous veniez (that you come)
* qu'ils/elles viennent (that they come)
* Example: J'espère qu'elle vienne à la fête. (I hope that she comes to the party.)
These irregular stems are common, and with practice, you'll start to recognize their patterns. Notice how *nous* and *vous* forms often retain a more regular-looking stem, similar to their imperfect indicative forms.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Je veux qu'il veut venir."
✓ Correct: "Je veux qu'il veuille venir."
*Explanation:* After verbs expressing desire like vouloir + que, you *must* use the subjunctive in the second clause. The indicative veut is incorrect here.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Il est essentiel que nous prenons le temps.
✓ Correct:
Il est essentiel que nous prenions le temps.
*Explanation:* The phrase il est essentiel que triggers the subjunctive. The correct *nous* form for the subjunctive of prendre is prenions, not the indicative prenons.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Je ne crois pas qu'il sait la réponse."
✓ Correct: "Je ne crois pas qu'il sache la réponse."
*Explanation:* Expressions of doubt or disbelief (like ne pas croire que) require the subjunctive. The correct subjunctive form for il of savoir is sache, not the indicative sait.

Real Conversations

A

A

J'aimerais que tu puisses venir à la réunion demain. (I would like you to be able to come to the meeting tomorrow.)
B

B

Je ne suis pas sûr que je puisse me libérer. (I'm not sure that I can free myself up.)
A

A

Il faut que nous prenions nos responsabilités. (It is necessary that we take our responsibilities.)
B

B

Oui, et je souhaite que tout le monde vienne avec des idées. (Yes, and I hope that everyone comes with ideas.)
A

A

Est-ce que tu penses qu'il veuille vraiment faire ça ? (Do you think that he really wants to do that?)
B

B

Je doute qu'il sache ce qu'il veut. (I doubt that he knows what he wants.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When do I *really* need to use the subjunctive in B1 French?

You primarily use the subjunctive after expressions of emotion (e.g., être content que, être triste que), doubt or opinion (e.g., douter que, ne pas croire que), desire or will (e.g., vouloir que, souhaiter que), necessity or obligation (e.g., il faut que, il est important que), and certain conjunctions (e.g., bien que, avant que).

Q

Are these the only irregular subjunctive verbs I need to know for B1 French grammar?

While these five (pouvoir, savoir, vouloir, prendre, venir) are among the most frequent and important for B1 French, there are other irregular subjunctive verbs (like faire, aller, être, avoir). Mastering these five gives you a fantastic foundation!

Q

How can I remember these irregular stems for the French subjunctive?

A great trick is to remember that the *je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles* forms of the subjunctive often (though not always) use the same stem as the *ils/elles* form of the present indicative. For nous and vous, the stem often resembles the imperfect indicative. Consistent practice and exposure are key!

Q

What's the difference between savoir and connaître in the subjunctive?

The distinction remains the same as in the indicative. Savoir (subjunctive: sache) means

to know a fact
or
to know how to do something.
Connaître (subjunctive: connaisse) means
to know a person, place, or to be familiar with something.
For example, Je doute qu'il sache la réponse. (I doubt he knows the answer.) vs. Je ne crois pas qu'elle connaisse mon ami. (I don't believe she knows my friend.)

Cultural Context

In real-life French conversations, the subjunctive, especially with these common verbs, adds a layer of politeness, nuance, and sophistication. Native speakers use it constantly to express desires, doubts, or requests in a less direct, more considerate way. While very informal spoken French might sometimes omit the subjunctive in certain contexts, mastering it is crucial for sounding educated and truly fluent.
It’s a core component of expressing complex thoughts and emotions, making your French much richer and more authentic.

重要な例文 (6)

1

Il faut que je `sache` la réponse avant demain.

I need to know the answer before tomorrow.

フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)
2

Je veux que tu `saches` que je suis là pour toi.

I want you to know that I am here for you.

フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)
3

Il faut que je veuille réussir pour y arriver.

成功するためには、私自身がそれを望まなければなりません。

フランス語の願い：動詞 'Vouloir' の不規則接続法
4

Je veux que tu veuilles bien m'aider avec ce post.

この投稿を手伝ってほしいな（君にその気になってほしいな）。

フランス語の願い：動詞 'Vouloir' の不規則接続法
5

Il faut que tu viennes à ma fête ce soir !

今夜の私のパーティーに絶対来てね！

フランス語の「来る」：'Venir' の接続法
6

Je veux que vous veniez au bureau demain.

明日、オフィスに来ていただきたいです。

フランス語の「来る」：'Venir' の接続法

ヒントとコツ (4)

🎯

語幹こそがすべて！

難しく考えすぎないで。脳内に puiss- という文字を刻み込みましょう。接続法現在では、全員がこの語幹を使います。que je puisse のようにね。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の接続法：可能と希望の表現 (pouvoir)
💡

Focus on the stem

Always remember the 'sach-' stem. It is the key to everything.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)
💡

魔法の「i」ルール

nous と vous の形には必ず 'i' を入れましょう。これが接続法を完璧にする隠し味です。
Il faut que nous voulions.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の願い：動詞 'Vouloir' の不規則接続法
⚠️

n の数に気をつけて！

je と tu の時は n を2つ書くのを忘れないでね。
Il faut que je prenne...
の n が1つだと、スペルミスが目立っちゃうよ。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の接続法：語幹変化動詞 (prendre)

重要な語彙 (6)

souhaiter to wish il faut que it is necessary that la décision the decision ensemble together le courage the courage le chemin the path/way

Real-World Preview

party-popper

Planning a Surprise Party

Review Summary

  • puiss + endings
  • sach + endings
  • veuill + endings (boot) / voul (nous/vous)
  • prenn + endings (boot) / pren (nous/vous)
  • vienn + endings (boot) / ven (nous/vous)

よくある間違い

After 'vouloir que', you must use the subjunctive, not the indicative 'peux'. The stem for 'pouvoir' is always 'puiss-'.

Wrong: Je veux que tu peux venir.
正解: Je veux que tu puisses venir.

Wait, this is actually a common mistake where students use 'sais' instead of 'sache'. Remember: 'savoir' is completely irregular in the subjunctive.

Wrong: Il faut que tu saches la réponse.
正解: Il faut que tu saches la réponse.

Don't forget the double 'n' in 'vienne' and 'prenne'. Without the second 'n', the pronunciation and spelling are incorrect.

Wrong: Je souhaite qu'il viene demain.
正解: Je souhaite qu'il vienne demain.

Next Steps

You've just conquered some of the most difficult stems in the French language. Your ability to express nuance and emotion has grown tremendously today. Keep it up!

Write 5 'I want...' sentences using each verb.

Record yourself saying 'Je souhaite que vous sachiez...' to practice the liaison.

Continue to: Expressing What Must Be Done

クイック練習 (10)

Conjugate 'savoir' in the subjunctive.

Il faut que je ___ la vérité.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sache
The 'je' form of the subjunctive is 'sache'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)

（ ）内に vouloir の正しい接続法の形を入れてください。

Il faut que tu _______ réussir. (vouloir)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: veuilles
Il faut que の後は接続法が必要です。 tu の場合は veuill- に -es をつけます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の願い：動詞 'Vouloir' の不規則接続法

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il faut que tu sais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que tu saches.
The 'tu' form requires the '-es' ending.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)

Choose the correct form.

Il faut que nous ___ la réponse.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sachions
The 'nous' form of the subjunctive is 'sachions'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)

文法的に正しい文章を選んでみて！

正しい文章を選択してください：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je veux que vous veniez.
接続法の 'vous' の形は、語幹 'ven-' に語尾 '-iez' をつけるんだよ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の「来る」：'Venir' の接続法

Choose the correct form.

Pour autant que je ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sache
The 'je' form of the subjunctive is 'sache'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)

この文の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Il est nécessaire qu'elle veuille.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est nécessaire qu'elle veuille.
実はこの文、最初から正しいんです！接続法の形をしっかり覚えているかチェックしました。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の願い：動詞 'Vouloir' の不規則接続法

Conjugate 'savoir' in the subjunctive.

Il est nécessaire qu'elle ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sache
The 'elle' form of the subjunctive is 'sache'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の不規則な接続法：知っている (savoir)

空欄に正しいvenirの接続法を入れてね。

Il faut que je _______ à l'heure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vienne
'Il faut que' の後は接続法が必要だよ。 'je' の形は 'vienne' になるんだ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の「来る」：'Venir' の接続法

「私たちは休憩を取る必要がある」という正しい文を選んでね。

Select the correct sentence for 'We need to take a break.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que nous prenions una pause.
接続法の nous の形では、n は1つだけ（prenions）にするのが正解だよ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: フランス語の接続法：語幹変化動詞 (prendre)

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

フランス語は驚きの連続！'pouvoir' は超不規則な動詞なんだ。ラテン語の影響を受けた古い語幹 puiss- を使うから、他の動詞とはちょっと違うんだよね。
いいえ！「私は泳げる」のような単なる事実は Je peux を使ってね。puisse が必要なのは、Il faut que や Je veux que などの特定の表現が前にある時だけだよ。
It is a common verb that kept its unique stem 'sach-' from Old French.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use the subjunctive 'sache'.
はい！歌や映画、日常会話で強い願いや必要性を伝える時にとてもよく使われます。
Je veux que tu veuilles.
ラテン語で「下に結びつける」という意味があり、通常 'que' を使って主節に結びつけられるからです。 Il faut que... のように使います。
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Common Irregular Verbs: Part 1
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Expressing What Must Be Done
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