B1 · Intermediário Capítulo 6

Common Irregular Verbs: Part 1

4 Regras totais
43 exemplos
6 min
Regras neste capítulo Prática rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the power of the French subjunctive with the four most essential irregular verbs.

  • Master the conjugation of avoir, être, faire, and aller in the subjunctive.
  • Identify the specific triggers that necessitate the use of these irregular forms.
  • Express your personal wishes, doubts, and requirements with authentic Parisian flair.
Speak with soul, not just with facts.

O que você vai aprender

Ready for a huge leap in your French journey? In this chapter, we're diving into the 'heart' of French sentences! I know you might be thinking, 'Irregular? That sounds hard!' But don't worry, we'll learn together how to use super important verbs like avoir (to have), être (to be), faire (to do/make), and aller (to go) in the 'subjunctive' tense. Why is this so crucial? Because life isn't just about dry facts! When you want to say, 'I hope you are well,' 'It's necessary that you go,' or 'I want you to do it,' you can't just use the regular indicative. This is where the subjonctif comes in! These verbs will help you express your feelings, wishes, needs, and even doubts in a very natural, French way. Imagine you're sitting at a cafe in Paris and you want to say, 'I hope the weather is good' or 'It's necessary for me to get my coffee.' By mastering aie, soit, fasse, and aille, you'll be able to say exactly these things and sound just like a true Parisian! By the end of this chapter, you won't just be reporting facts; you'll be able to share your inner world. This is a big step that transforms you from a simple tourist into someone who can truly speak with emotion. So, 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: Use the subjunctive forms of avoir, être, faire, and aller to express desires and necessities.

Guia do capítulo

Overview

Welcome to a pivotal moment in your French grammar B1 journey! In this chapter, we're unlocking the power of the French subjunctive, specifically focusing on some of the most common and crucial French irregular verbs: *avoir* (to have), *être* (to be), *faire* (to do/make), and *aller* (to go). Mastering these verbs in the *subjonctif* mood is a significant step, transforming your ability to express a wider range of emotions, wishes, doubts, and necessities.
While irregular might sound daunting, think of it as embracing the unique personality of the French language.
The subjunctive isn't just a fancy grammatical rule; it's the heart of expressing your inner world. When you want to say
I hope you are well
(*J'espère que tu ailles bien*) or "It's necessary that you do it" (*Il faut que tu le fasses*), the regular indicative tense simply won't suffice. This French subjunctive mood allows for nuance, politeness, and genuine emotional connection in your conversations.
It’s an essential part of sounding natural and moving beyond basic factual statements. Get ready to add depth to your French!

How This Grammar Works

The subjunctive mood in French is primarily used after certain verbs, conjunctions, or expressions that convey emotion, doubt, desire, necessity, or subjective judgment. It's often introduced by the word que (that). For our B1 French level, we're concentrating on four foundational irregular verbs, as they appear frequently in everyday conversation.
First up is Avoir (to have). Its present subjunctive forms are:
* que j'aie (that I have)
* que tu aies (that you have)
* qu'il/elle/on ait (that he/she/one has)
* que nous ayons (that we have)
* que vous ayez (that you have)
* qu'ils/elles aient (that they have)
Example

*J'espère que tu aies une bonne journée.* (I hope that you have a good day.)

Next, we have Être (to be), often referred to as The Vibe Tense because it expresses states of being and feelings. Its irregular subjunctive forms are:
* que je sois (that I am)
* que tu sois (that you are)
* qu'il/elle/on soit (that he/she/one is)
* que nous soyons (that we are)
* que vous soyez (that you are)
* qu'ils/elles soient (that they are)
Example

*Il est important que nous soyons prêts.* (It is important that we are ready.)

Then there's Faire (to do/make), allowing you to express actions with style. Its present subjunctive is:
* que je fasse (that I do/make)
* que tu fasses (that you do/make)
* qu'il/elle/on fasse (that he/she/one does/makes)
* que nous fassions (that we do/make)
* que vous fassiez (that you do/make)
* qu'ils/elles fassent (that they do/make)
Example

*Je veux que tu fasses tes devoirs.* (I want that you do your homework.)

Finally, Aller (to go) also has highly irregular subjunctive forms:
* que j'aille (that I go)
* que tu ailles (that you go)
* qu'il/elle/on aille (that he/she/one goes)
* que nous allions (that we go)
* que vous alliez (that you go)
* qu'ils/elles aillent (that they go)
Example

*Il faut que j'aille à la banque.* (It is necessary that I go to the bank.)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: *J'espère qu'il va bien.*
✓ Correct: *J'espère qu'il aille bien.*
*Explanation:* After verbs expressing hope or desire like *espérer* (to hope), you generally need the subjunctive. *Va* is indicative, *aille* is subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Il est essentiel que vous êtes là.*
✓ Correct: *Il est essentiel que vous soyez là.*
*Explanation:* Expressions of necessity or importance (like *il est essentiel que*) trigger the subjunctive. *Êtes* is indicative, *soyez* is the correct subjunctive form for *vous*.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Je doute que nous faisons une erreur.*
✓ Correct: *Je doute que nous fassions une erreur.*
*Explanation:* Verbs expressing doubt (*douter que*) require the subjunctive. *Faisons* is the indicative form for *nous*, while *fassions* is the subjunctive.

Real Conversations

A

A

*J'espère que tu ailles bien après ton voyage.* (I hope that you are well after your trip.)
B

B

*Oui, merci! Je suis content que nous soyons enfin ici.* (Yes, thank you! I'm happy that we are finally here.)
A

A

*Il faut que je fasse mes courses avant la fermeture.* (It is necessary that I do my shopping before closing.)
B

B

*D'accord. Je veux que tu aies assez de temps.* (Okay. I want you to have enough time.)
A

A

*Mon professeur exige que j'aille à toutes les conférences.* (My professor requires that I go to all the conferences.)
B

B

*C'est normal qu'il soit si strict.* (It's normal that he is so strict.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between using *que je vais* and *que j'aille* in French?

*Que je vais* uses the indicative mood, implying a statement of fact or certainty, which is generally incorrect after subjunctive triggers. *Que j'aille* uses the subjunctive mood, conveying desire, doubt, emotion, or necessity, which is required after specific triggering phrases.

Q

Are there any specific phrases that always trigger the use of these irregular subjunctive verbs?

Yes, many! Common triggers include expressions of necessity (*il faut que* - it is necessary that), desire (*je veux que* - I want that, *j'espère que* - I hope that), emotion (*je suis content que* - I am happy that), and doubt (*je doute que* - I doubt that).

Q

How can I remember the irregular subjunctive forms of *avoir* and *être* more easily?

For *avoir*, focus on the aie stem for most singular forms, and ayons/ayez for plural. For *être*, remember the sois stem for singular and soyons/soyez for plural. Practice them in full sentences, not just in isolation!

Cultural Context

The French subjunctive, especially with these common irregular verbs, is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday communication. It adds a layer of politeness, nuance, and emotional sincerity that is highly valued by native speakers. Using the correct subjunctive form, like *que vous ayez* or *qu'il soit*, shows not just grammatical accuracy but also a sensitivity to expressing wishes, recommendations, or concerns in a natural and respectful way.
It's how you move from merely stating facts to truly connecting with others on an emotional level.

Exemplos-chave (8)

1

Il faut que j'aie mon téléphone pour Uber.

Eu preciso ter meu telefone para o Uber.

Verbo irregular francês: Subjuntivo Avoir (aie, ait, ayons)
2

Je suis content que tu aies de bonnes notes.

Estou feliz que você tenha boas notas.

Verbo irregular francês: Subjuntivo Avoir (aie, ait, ayons)
3

Il faut que je sois à l'heure pour mon cours.

Eu preciso estar na hora para a minha aula.

O modo dos sentimentos: Ser com 'être' (Subjonctif présent)
4

Je veux que tu sois heureux.

Eu quero que você seja feliz.

O modo dos sentimentos: Ser com 'être' (Subjonctif présent)
5

Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs ce soir.

Tenho que fazer minha lição de casa hoje à noite.

Fazê-lo com estilo: O subjuntivo irregular de 'Faire' (Fasse)
6

Je veux que tu fasses attention sur la route.

Quero que você preste atenção na estrada.

Fazê-lo com estilo: O subjuntivo irregular de 'Faire' (Fasse)
7

Il faut que j'aille au travail maintenant.

Eu preciso ir para o trabalho agora.

Subjuntivo Francês: O Verbo Irregular 'Aller' (ir)
8

Je veux que tu ailles chercher {le|m} colis.

Eu quero que você vá buscar a encomenda.

Subjuntivo Francês: O Verbo Irregular 'Aller' (ir)

Dicas e truques (4)

🎯

A Dica de Pronúncia

Não se preocupe com a grafia de 'aie', 'aies', 'ait' e 'aient' na conversa. Todas soam como 'ê'. Foque nas diferenças de 'ayons' e 'ayez' no som! "Il faut que j'aie mon sac."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo irregular francês: Subjuntivo Avoir (aie, ait, ayons)
💡

O Truque do 'Leite de Soja'

Quando você for conjugar 'être' para 'nós' ou 'vocês' no subjonctivo, e precisar da forma, lembre-se do 'y'. Pense em 'soy milk' para 'soyons' e 'soyez'.
Que nós soyons, que vocês soyez.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: O modo dos sentimentos: Ser com 'être' (Subjonctif présent)
🎯

O Som 'Fass'

Quatro das seis formas soam exatamente como 'fass'. Foque nessa raiz, e você já está 80% lá! Por exemplo: que je fasse.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazê-lo com estilo: O subjuntivo irregular de 'Faire' (Fasse)
🎯

A Chave é o 'i'

Nunca se esqueça do 'i' em nous allions e vous alliez. É o que diferencia do presente do indicativo e deixa sua fala mais sofisticada.
Il faut que nous allions.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Subjuntivo Francês: O Verbo Irregular 'Aller' (ir)

Vocabulário-chave (5)

Il faut que It is necessary that Espérer que To hope that Vouloir que To want that Bien que Although Douter que To doubt that

Real-World Preview

coffee

Cafe Conversation

Review Summary

  • que + je/tu/il aie/aies/ait
  • que + je/tu/il sois/sois/soit
  • que + je/tu/il fasse/fasses/fasse
  • que + je/tu/il aille/ailles/aille

Erros comuns

Learners often use the indicative 'ai' instead of the subjunctive 'aie' after 'il faut que'. Remember the subjunctive is required here.

Wrong: Il faut que j'ai du temps.
Correto: Il faut que j'aie du temps.

You cannot use the indicative 'est' after a verb of desire like 'vouloir que'. Use the subjunctive 'soit'.

Wrong: Je veux qu'il est heureux.
Correto: Je veux qu'il soit heureux.

Again, the indicative 'vas' is incorrect after the necessity trigger 'il faut que'. Use the irregular 'ailles'.

Wrong: Il faut que tu vas au cinéma.
Correto: Il faut que tu ailles au cinéma.

Next Steps

You have done incredible work today! Keep practicing these forms, and they will soon become second nature.

Write a list of 5 things you want your friends to do this weekend using these verbs.

Continue to: Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2

Prática rápida (10)

Encontre e corrija o erro nesta frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il est important que vous faites attention.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est important que vous fassiez attention.
'Il est important que' aciona o subjonctif. A forma correta para 'vous' é 'fassiez'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazê-lo com estilo: O subjuntivo irregular de 'Faire' (Fasse)

Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta de 'aller' no subjuntivo.

Il faut que tu ___ au supermarché.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ailles
Depois de 'Il faut que', usamos o subjuntivo. Para 'tu', a forma é 'ailles'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Subjuntivo Francês: O Verbo Irregular 'Aller' (ir)

Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta de 'avoir'.

Il faut que tu ___ ton pass Navigo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: aies
'Il faut que' ativa o subjuntivo. Para 'tu', a forma é 'aies'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo irregular francês: Subjuntivo Avoir (aie, ait, ayons)

Encontre e corrija o erro

Find and fix the mistake:

Il est possible qu'il est malade.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible qu'il soit malade.
'Il est possible que' expressa dúvida, o que exige o subjonctivo 'soit'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: O modo dos sentimentos: Ser com 'être' (Subjonctif présent)

Qual frase está correta?

Escolha a frase gramaticalmente correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je veux que nous soyons amis.
'Vouloir que' aciona o subjonctivo 'soyons'. Além disso, 'amis' deve estar no plural para combinar com 'nous'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: O modo dos sentimentos: Ser com 'être' (Subjonctif présent)

Preencha a lacuna

Il faut que tu ______ à l'heure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sois
Depois de 'Il faut que', devemos usar o subjonctivo. Para 'tu', a forma é 'sois'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: O modo dos sentimentos: Ser com 'être' (Subjonctif présent)

Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta de 'faire' no subjonctif.

Il faut que tu ___ tes devoirs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fasses
Depois de 'Il faut que', você deve usar o subjonctif. Para 'tu', a forma é 'fasses'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Fazê-lo com estilo: O subjuntivo irregular de 'Faire' (Fasse)

Encontre e corrija o erro.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il est possible qu'il a son chargeur.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il est possible qu'il ait son chargeur.
'Il est possible que' expressa dúvida, exigindo o subjuntivo 'ait' para 'il'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo irregular francês: Subjuntivo Avoir (aie, ait, ayons)

Selecione a frase gramaticalmente correta:

Select the grammatically correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je veux que nous ayons du café.
Depois de 'Je veux que', precisamos do subjuntivo. A forma 'nous' de 'avoir' é 'ayons'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbo irregular francês: Subjuntivo Avoir (aie, ait, ayons)

Qual frase usa o subjuntivo corretamente?

Choose the right option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que nous allions au cinéma.
A forma 'nous' de 'aller' no subjuntivo é 'allions', com um 'i'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Subjuntivo Francês: O Verbo Irregular 'Aller' (ir)

Score: /10

Perguntas comuns (6)

É um 'modo' verbal usado para expressar subjetividade, como sentimentos, exigências ou possibilidades. Ao contrário do modo Indicativo, que declara fatos, o Subjuntivo filtra a realidade através de uma lente pessoal. Por exemplo, "Il faut que j'aie de la patience" (É preciso que eu tenha paciência).
Como a maioria dos verbos frequentes em francês, 'avoir' evoluiu ao longo dos séculos. Por ser usado com tanta frequência, ele manteve formas antigas e únicas que não seguem as regras modernas. Pense em "que j'aie" como uma relíquia linguística!
Olha só, o nome vem da ideia de algo 'subordinado' ou 'anexado' a outra frase. Ele quase nunca aparece sozinho e sempre depende de uma oração principal, tipo 'Eu quero que...'. Por exemplo, em
Je veux que tu sois heureux
, o 'sois' está 'subordinado' a 'Je veux que'.
Exatamente como 'sois' e 'soit'. Rima com 'uá'. O 'ent' é completamente mudo, assim como em outros verbos regulares. Então, "qu'ils soient soa igual a que je sois".
Não, 'fait' é o indicativo presente para fatos. 'Fasse' é o subjonctif para desejos ou requisitos. Por exemplo, 'Il fait beau' (Faz bom tempo - fato) vs. 'Il faut qu'il fasse beau' (É preciso que faça bom tempo - desejo).
Ele segue uma raiz latina antiga. É um dos poucos verbos que você precisa memorizar, mas a raiz 'fass-' é consistente. Pense em 'faire' como um verbo 'faz-tudo' que tem um jeitinho especial!
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Getting Started with the Subjunctive
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Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2
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