PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Pardonner is essential for expressing forgiveness in French, a common theme in personal and professional interactions. It is often used with indirect objects to specify who is forgiven.
In TEF/TCF writing, use pardonner to discuss reconciliation or apologies, e.g., 'Je lui ai pardonné son retard.'
Elle pardonne facilement à ses amis.
She easily forgives her friends.
Remember that pardonner requires the preposition 'à' before the person being forgiven, e.g., 'pardonner à quelqu'un' (not 'pardonner quelqu'un').
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.
Pardonner 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.