PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Essayer is a common -er verb with a spelling change (y to i in certain forms) that expresses attempts or trials. It is frequently used in TEF/TCF Canada to describe efforts or experiments.
Use essayer to talk about trying new things or making an effort, e.g., 'J'essaie d'apprendre le français' (I am trying to learn French).
Nous allons essayer ce restaurant ce soir.
We are going to try this restaurant tonight.
Remember the spelling change: 'j'essaie' (not 'j'essaye') is preferred in modern French, though both are correct.
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.
Essayer 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.