Rire & sourire: consonant stems in the present
Third Group — -IRE Verbs (The Rire Model)
While many third-group verbs change their stem between singular and plural forms, the Rire family is unique for its simplicity.
The only verbs in this category are:
- rire → to laugh
- sourire → to smile
They follow a stable stem pattern, making them some of the most straightforward verbs in the third group.
Why They Are Special
Unlike Lire (which adds an -s-) or Écrire (which adds a -v-), these verbs do NOT modify their stem at all.
- The stem is identical for all subjects.
- There is no "short stem / long stem" alternation.
- You simply take the base and add the standard third-group endings.
Conjugation of RIRE (to laugh)
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| je | ris |
| tu | ris |
| il / elle / on | rit |
| nous | rions |
| vous | riez |
| ils / elles | rient |
- Stable stem = ri- (used for all forms)
- Endings: Follow the standard -s, -s, -t / -ons, -ez, -ent pattern.
- Note: The nous and vous forms look exactly like the imperfect tense, so pay attention to context!
Conjugation of SOURIRE (to smile)
| Subject | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| je | souris |
| tu | souris |
| il / elle / on | sourit |
| nous | sourions |
| vous | souriez |
| ils / elles | sourient |
- Stable stem = souri-
- Just like rire, the stem never drops a letter and never gains a new consonant.
- It is perfectly consistent from je all the way to elles.
Important Note 1
Be careful with nous and vous forms! Because the stem ri- is so stable, the Present and Imperfect look identical:
- Nous rions = We are laughing (Present) OR We were laughing (Imperfect).
- Vous riez = You are laughing (Present) OR You were laughing (Imperfect).
Since there is no spelling difference, you must rely entirely on context (like maintenant vs. autrefois) to know which tense is being used.
Key Takeaways: The RIRE Model
- RIRE and SOURIRE form the smallest and simplest family of the third group.
- Unlike other families, they have a 100% stable stem (ri- or souri-).
- There is no consonant change (no v, no s) when moving from singular to plural.
- They use the standard third-group endings: -s, -s, -t, -ons, -ez, -ent.
- Context is key: Because the stem is so stable, the nous and vous forms (rions, riez) are spelled exactly the same in the present and the imperfect tense.
In the app, you will find interactive exercises and quizzes tailored for this intermediate level.
Practice French conjugation for free in the Croissant Verbs app
Quizzes and spaced repetition for every tense, for free on your phone—plus short grammar guides on our Learn hub.
