The first conditional (si...)

To talk about a condition and its likely future result ("If X happens, Y will happen"), French uses the first conditional.

The condition clause starts with si (if) followed by a verb in the present tense. The result clause uses the futur simple (simple future).

  • Si
    • Present Tense -> Futur Simple
If you are afraid, you will avoid the black cat.
Si tu as peur, tu éviteras le chat noir.
If she passes under a ladder, she will attract misfortune.
Si elle passe sous une échelle, elle attirera le malheur.
If you find this sign, you will attract luck.
Si vous trouvez ce signe, vous attirerez la chance.

You can use this versatile structure to make predictions, explain logical outcomes, or give warnings:

If we cross our fingers, our team will win the match.
Si nous croisons les doigts, notre équipe gagnera le match.
If you want to avoid an accident, you will not pass under a ladder.
Si tu veux éviter un accident, tu ne passeras pas sous une échelle.
If she wishes you happiness, it will not be a superstition.
Si elle te souhaite le bonheur, ce ne sera pas une superstition.

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