What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je dois y aller literally translates to "I must there to go", composed of je (I), dois (must/owe), y (there) and aller (to go).
Which one should you use?
While je dois y aller is a standard way to express the need to leave, je dois m'en aller is a slightly more formal or emphatic way to say one is departing. In casual conversation, speakers may use faut que je file or je dois filer to express a more hurried need to leave.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
je dois y aller is a standard, neutral way to express the need to leave and is suitable for most social situations. More formal or emphatic options include Excusez-moi, je dois partir maintenant or Je suis désolé(e), mais je dois m'en aller. Conversely, the phrase Bon, je vais me tirer maintenant is an informal way to say "Alright, I'm gonna take off now."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase je dois y aller, the pronoun y (there) is placed immediately before the infinitive verb aller (to go).
Did you know?
- The casual expression je dois filer uses the verb filer, which literally means 'to spin' or 'to draw a thread'. It evokes the image of moving as quickly and thinly as a piece of thread being pulled.
- In Québécois French, the word y is sometimes used as an informal contraction for il or ils when referring to people.
- While English speakers say 'I have to go', the French 'dois' can also mean 'to owe', as in owing someone money.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, je dois partir maintenant. J'ai un autre engagement.Excuse me, I have to leave now. I have another commitment.
- Je suis désolé(e), mais je dois m'en aller. Nous pourrons continuer cette discussion une prochaine fois.I'm sorry, but I must be going. We can continue this discussion next time.
- Bon, je vais me tirer maintenant. On se voit demain !Alright, I'm gonna take off now. See you tomorrow!
- Il faut que je file. À plus tard, les gars !I've got to run. See you later, guys!
- Désolé, je dois y aller.Sorry, I got to go.
- Il est tard, je dois y aller.It is late, I got to go.
- Bon, je dois y aller maintenant.Well, I got to go now.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are chatting on the street.
- ChloéC'était super de te voir, Nathan !It was great to see you, Nathan!
- NathanMoi aussi, Chloé. On s'appelle ?Me too, Chloé. Shall we call each other?
- ChloéOui, mais je dois y aller là.Yes, but I got to go now.
- NathanD'accord, à bientôt !Okay, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aller, je, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
