je dois
The English phrase "I must" is translated into French as je dois.
je dois is used to express a strong necessity or obligation to do something.
Which one should you use?
While je dois expresses a strong necessity or obligation, it is often used interchangeably with il faut que je… to express the same sense of necessity. To express a future obligation ('I will have to'), use the future tense form je devrai.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase je dois is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb devoir.
Did you know?
- In French, the verb devoir can be used as a noun to refer to one's 'homework' in the form les devoirs.
- In a financial context, je dois has nothing to do with obligation and instead means 'I owe'. It is the standard way to tell a vendor or friend how much money you owe them.
- The verb devoir is also used to express probability. If a French speaker says je dois être en retard, they are not saying they are obligated to be late, but rather that they probably are.
Examples in context
- Je dois y être.I must be there.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of being in a specific location using je dois.Tatoeba #7774674 by Aiji, translation #3723228 by CM
- Je dois y aller.I must get going.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of leaving using je dois.Tatoeba #952757 by sacredceltic, translation #1587267 by Spamster
- Je dois me hâter.I must hurry.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of hurrying using je dois.Tatoeba #2161372 by sacredceltic, translation #2160871 by Hybrid
- Il est nécessaire que je me rende à la réunionIt is necessary for me to attend the meeting
- Il faut que je fasse mes devoirsI have to do my homework
- Je dois finir ce rapport avant demain.I must finish this report before tomorrow.
- Je suis obligé(e) de vous demander de patienter.I must ask you to wait.
- Je dois aller faire mes courses.I must go grocery shopping.
- 261 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing their work schedule.
- LucasJe dois finir ce rapport ce soir.I must finish this report tonight.
- ManonC'est possible de m'aider demain, Lucas ?Is it possible to help me tomorrow, Lucas?
- LucasOui, mais je dois d'abord appeler mon chef.Yes, but I must call my boss first.
- ManonD'accord, on se voit demain alors.Okay, we will see each other tomorrow then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
