Dictionary · French

tapoter

verb

Senses

  1. 1.

    to tap; to pat

    to strike lightly and repeatedly with fingers or a small object

  2. 2.

    to tapping motion

    to make a series of light, quick sounds

Examples

  • "Elle tapote sur la table avec ses doigts."

    She taps on the table with her fingers.

  • "L'enfant tapote doucement l'épaule de sa mère."

    The child gently pats his mother's shoulder.

  • "On entend la pluie tapoter contre la fenêtre."

    We can hear the rain tapping against the window.

Usage

Informal and colloquial; commonly used to describe light, repetitive sounds or touches. Often implies a gentle, rhythmic quality. Closely related to 'taper' but emphasizes the lighter, more delicate nature of the action.

Conjugation

Full table

Présent

indicative
jetapote
tutapotes
il/elletapote
noustapotons
voustapotez
ils/ellestapotent

Imparfait

indicative
jetapotais
tutapotais
il/elletapotait
noustapotions
voustapotiez
ils/ellestapotaient

Passé Simple

indicative
jetapotai
tutapotas
il/elletapota
noustapotâmes
voustapotâtes
ils/ellestapotèrent

Futur Simple

indicative
jetapoterai
tutapoteras
il/elletapotera
noustapoterons
voustapoterez
ils/ellestapoteront