devoirs
/də.vwaʁ/
The English phrase duties is translated into French as devoirs.
In a school context, les devoirs is the standard term for homework. In a military context, duties can be translated as fonctions or missions. The word charges can be used to describe one's duties or responsibilities, especially in administrative or managerial roles.
Which one should you use?
While devoirs (plural) refers to specific tasks or homework, le devoir (singular) is often used in a more abstract, philosophical or moral sense to refer to a moral obligation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun devoirs (duties) is derived from the verb devoir (to owe or must).
How do you pronounce it?
/də.vwaʁ/
Did you know?
- While devoir means 'duty' or 'must', it also functions as a verb meaning 'to owe' money, linking moral obligation with financial debt.
- If you are talking about 'customs duties' or taxes paid at a border, the French use droits instead of devoirs.
- The word devoir is a cognate of the English word 'due', reflecting the shared Latin root for something that is owed.
Examples in context
- Il négligea ses devoirs.He neglected his duties.This sentence is useful for showing how one might neglect their devoirs.Tatoeba #539059 by sacredceltic, translation #535249 by CK
- Quels sont vos devoirs ?What are your duties?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's devoirs.Tatoeba #3245387 by sacredceltic, translation #2270115 by _undertoad
- Elle a accompli ses devoirs.She performed her duties.This sentence is useful for describing the performance of devoirs.Tatoeba #4758349 by sacredceltic, translation #313156 by CK
- Il a l'obligation de terminer la tâche.It is his duty to complete the task
- Ses tâches comprennent la gestion de l'équipe.His duties include managing the team
- J'ai du boulot ce soirI have work to do tonight
- J'ai des responsabilités importantes dans cette entrepriseI have important duties in this company
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing their roles at a new job.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu connais tes devoirs ici ?Do you know your duties here?
- ManonPas encore, je dois lire le manuel.Not yet, I have to read the manual.
- GabrielJe peux t'aider avec tes devoirs, Manon.I can help you with your duties, Manon.
- ManonC'est très gentil, merci Gabriel !That's very kind, thank you Gabriel!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry devoirs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
