The English present perfect being a present tense, the answer to your question is that often the *présent simple* will translate into the present perfect in English. The *présent simple* and the present perfect are both used to describe a present state of things and when present perfect is used with a time expression it will usually translate into a présent simple. *Je l'attends depuis deux heures*. I've been waiting for him since two. *Je l'attends depuis une demie heure.* I've been waiting for half an hour. *Elle est adorable depuis qu'elle est née.* She's been lovely since she was born. **But:** [I have read this book twice since my last birthday.][2]<sup>1</sup> *J'ai lu ce livre deux fois depuis mon dernier anniversaire.* I've eaten the last piece of cake. *J'ai mangé le dernier morceau de gâteau*. <sup>1</sup>: Exemple pris sur [ELL][1] [1]: http://ell.stackexchange.com [2]: http://ell.stackexchange.com/a/13127/2818