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The verb devoir is a commonly used irregular verb in French. Like the verb faire (to make or do), devoir is used in many different situations. And the meaning of devoir can change slightly in different situations or expressions. When used as a noun, le devoir translates to duty, but it also means homework. As a verb, devoir means should or must. See how devoir is used to express an obligation to do something in the video below.
Bonjour!
Elise, a French-speaking teenager from Quèbec, is telling you about her week. She and her friends have some important events and exams this week, and they know what they have to do to be successful.
J’ai un examen de français mercredi.
Je dois étudier le français mardi pour deux heures.
What does Elise have to do for her French exam on Wednesday?
Study for two hours on Tuesday.
J’ai un concert de violon vendredi.
Je dois pratiquer le violon pour une heure chaque soir cette semaine.
What does Elise have to do to prepare for her concert on Friday?
Practice for one hour every evening this week.
L’école commence à huit heures dix.
Je dois arriver à huit heures pour être à l’heure.
School starts at 8:10. What does Elise have to do? She has to arrive at 8:00 to be on time.
L’entraînement de volley commence à trois heures et demie de l’après-midi.
Je dois aller au gymnase à trois heures et quart pour changer mes vêtements.
Volleyball practice starts at 3:30 P.M. What does Elise have to do?
She has to go to the gym at 3:15 to change her clothes.
Mon amie Stella joue au basket avec ses amis au parc à quatre heures.
Stella doit prendre le bus pour aller au parc à trois heures et demie.
My friend Stella plays basketball with her friends at the park at four. What does she have to do?
She has to take the bus to go to the park at 3:30.
Stella et Nadine donnent une présentation pour le cours de photographie.
Elle doivent préparer.
Stella and Nadine are giving a presentation for photography class. What must they do?
They must prepare.
Mes amis viennent voir un film samedi soir.
Ils doivent acheter du popcorn et du coca.
My friends are coming to see a film Saturday evening. What do they have to do?
They have to buy popcorn and cola.
The verb devoir can be translated in slightly different ways, depending on the situation or context. In general, it expresses obligation, much like must, or to have to in English. But when talking about money, devoir means to owe. Devoir will be translated as should when using the conditional tense.
Continue to the rest of the lesson to learn the conjugation of devoir in the present tense.
Bon travail!
Au revoir
Devoir is particularly useful when you must decline an invitation to do something and explain why or give an excuse. You will know all the ways to use devoir in practical situations and conversation once you complete this lesson.
Question
How do you say I have to study French.
Je dois étudier le français.
