PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Dire is essential for reporting information, giving instructions, and handling indirect speech. It is a core verb in both speaking and writing tasks.
Use it when reporting opinions, instructions, and statements from other people.
Il dit que la réunion commence à neuf heures.
He says that the meeting starts at nine o'clock.
Dire can require que, à, or an object depending on the structure, so do not overtranslate it mechanically.
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.
Dire 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.