perçois

Perçois is the first-person singular present indicative form of the French verb percevoir. Percevoir means to perceive, sense, or become aware of something, and in various contexts it can also mean to receive or collect amounts such as money or benefits. Je perçois often conveys a direct sensory or cognitive perception, while other forms in the same verb allow mentioning incomes, payments, or benefits.

Etymology and usage notes: percevoir comes from Latin percipere, meaning to seize, take in, or discern. In everyday language, the nuance ranges from noticing a detail or sensing a condition to formally receiving revenue. The verb is used with a wide range of objects, from physical sensations (une odeur, un son) to abstract awareness (une idée, une information) or monetary aspects (un salaire, des impôts).

Conjugation highlights: common present tense forms include je perçois, tu perçois, il perçoit, nous percevons, vous percevez, ils perçoivent. The past participle is perçu, used with auxiliary être or avoir in compound tenses depending on construction. Phrases with perçoit sont distinct from those using regarder or entendre, as percevoir emphasizes the act of taking in or receiving rather than simply observing.

Examples: Je perçois une légère douleur à l’épaule. Nous percevons des signes de progrès. Elle perçoit un revenu régulier grâce à son travail indépendant. In tax or administration, on peut dire qu’un organisme perçoit des impôts.

See also: perception, percepteur, perception sensorielle, percevoir au participe passé perçu.