faire (subjonctif)
Irregular Subjunctive of Faire
The verb faire (to do/make) is irregular in the subjunctive. It uses the stem fass- followed by standard subjunctive endings.
How It Works
The present subjunctive of faire is one of the most frequently used irregular forms in French because it often follows common triggers like il faut que (it is necessary that).
1. Conjugation Table:
- que je fasse
- que tu fasses
- qu'il/elle/on fasse
- que nous fassions
- que vous fassiez
- qu'ils/elles fassent
2. Usage Nuances:
The subjunctive is used to express subjectivity, doubt, necessity, or emotion. When you use faire in these contexts, you must use the fass- stem. For example, while 'Tu fais tes devoirs' (You do your homework) is a statement of fact in the indicative, 'Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs' expresses a requirement.
3. Phonology:
The stem is pronounced /fas/, which creates a distinct 's' sound. This helps distinguish it from the indicative forms like fait /fɛ/ or font /fɔ̃/.
Examples (4)
- Il faut que je fasse les courses ce soir.
I must do the grocery shopping tonight.
Word by Word: It is necessary that I do the shopping this evening.
The impersonal expression 'il faut que' triggers the subjunctive 'fasse'.
- Bien qu'il fasse froid, nous sortons.
Even though it is cold, we are going out.
Word by Word: Although it makes cold, we go out.
The conjunction 'bien que' (although) always requires the subjunctive.
- Je souhaite que vous fassiez attention.
I wish for you to pay attention.
Word by Word: I wish that you make attention.
Verbs of wishing or desire like 'souhaiter que' trigger the subjunctive.
- Quoi que tu fasses, je te soutiendrai.
Whatever you do, I will support you.
Word by Word: Whatever that you do, I you will support.
'Quoi que' (whatever) is a trigger for the subjunctive mood.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative 'fais' after a subjunctive trigger.
Il faut que je fais mes devoirs.Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs.Learners often default to the present indicative because it is more familiar, but 'il faut que' mandatory requires the subjunctive 'fasse'.
Trying to regularize the stem based on the 'nous' form (faisons).
Il est possible qu'il faisse beau demain.Il est possible qu'il fasse beau demain.While many verbs use the 'nous' stem for the subjunctive, 'faire' is irregular and uses 'fass-', not 'faiss-'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the irregular subjunctive of 'faire', you first need to be familiar with the verb 'faire' in the present tense and understand the general rules and endings for the subjunctive mood.
- faire (présent)Irregular Verb Faire (To Do/make)
Understanding the base verb 'faire' and its meaning is essential before learning its subjunctive forms.
Level 1 - Regular subjunctive formation
The irregular stem 'fass-' still uses the standard subjunctive endings, so the regular formation rules must be understood first.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- il faut que + SubjunctiveNecessity with Il Faut Que + Subjunctive
This is the most common phrase that forces the use of 'fasse' in daily conversation.
Level 3 - aller (subjonctif)Irregular Subjunctive of Aller
Like 'faire', 'aller' is another high-frequency verb with a completely irregular subjunctive stem.
Level 3 - bien que + SubjunctiveAlthough with Bien Que
A common conjunction that frequently pairs with 'fasse' to describe conditions (e.g., 'bien qu'il fasse chaud').
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice faire (subjonctif) in Bubblegum
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