devoirs
/də.vwaʁ/masculine, plural
The French word for homework is devoirs.
To say you are doing your homework, use the phrase faire ses devoirs rather than using the verb travailler.
Meaning: work that is done at home (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word devoirs literally means duties.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word devoirs is a masculine plural noun. Note that while the singular form devoir can mean a duty or act as the infinitive verb meaning to owe, it is not used for schoolwork.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /də.vwaʁ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes incorrectly use the singular form le devoir to mean homework. In French, you should almost always use the plural form les devoirs.
Did you know?
- A 'devoir' can also refer to a formal visit made out of social obligation, such as visiting a sick acquaintance or attending a funeral.
- The word devoirs shares a root with the English word 'devotion', as both describe a moral or legal obligation one is bound to fulfill.
- The verb form of the word, devoir, is used to express necessity, similar to the English 'must' or 'should'.
Examples in context
- As-tu des devoirs ?Do you have homework?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has homework.Tatoeba #8701735 by Micsmithel, translation #2647195 by CK
- Je fais mes devoirs.I'm doing my homework.This sentence is useful for saying you are performing your homework.Tatoeba #1718796 by sacredceltic, translation #258045 by CK
- Je hais les devoirs.I hate homework.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for homework.Tatoeba #8701736 by Micsmithel, translation #5850576 by CK
- J'ai beaucoup de devoirs à faire ce soir.I have a lot of homework to do tonight.
- Je dois finir mes travaux scolaires avant demain.I have to finish my homework before tomorrow.
- J'ai encore du boulot à faire pour demain.I still have homework to do for tomorrow.
- 408 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are chatting after school.
- GabrielTu as fini tes devoirs, Léa ?Did you finish your homework, Léa?
- LéaPas encore, j'ai trop de devoirs.Not yet, I have too much homework.
- GabrielC'est pour quel cours ?Which class is it for?
- LéaCe sont les devoirs de mathématiques.It's the math homework.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “homework” translations and entries devoirs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
