PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Arrêter is a versatile verb used to express stopping an action or halting movement. It is crucial for giving commands, describing interruptions, and discussing legal contexts in French.
Use arrêter with 'de' + infinitive to say you stop doing something, e.g., 'J'arrête de fumer' for TEF/TCF writing or speaking.
Le conducteur arrête la voiture au feu rouge.
The driver stops the car at the red light.
Arrêter is often confused with 'cesser' (to cease), but arrêter is more common. Also, remember the accent on the 'e' (arrêter) and the double 'r' in conjugations like 'j'arrête'.
Use the table above and the related links below to pin the pattern down before you move on to other verbs.
Start with the present tense, then the passé composé. Those two forms carry most everyday conversation and make the rest of the table easier to recognise.
Arrêter typically uses avoir in compound tenses. Check the table above and keep the past participle in view when you move into compound forms.
Use the related links below and then open the interactive conjugator to compare this verb with others you use often.