je dois y aller
The English phrase "I need to go" is translated into French as je dois y aller.
This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker must leave their current location or end a conversation. While je dois y aller implies a necessity or obligation, note that je veux partir would mean "I want to leave".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), dois (must/owe), y (there) and aller (to go).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal tone that emphasizes an obligation to leave, you can use Je suis obligé(e) de partir. In informal settings, Je dois filer can be used to mean "I need to run" or "I have to split", while Je dois me casser is a very informal expression meaning "I need to get out of here". Additionally, Je dois m'éclipser can be used to mean "I need to slip away".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverbial pronoun y (there) is placed before the infinitive verb aller (to go).
Did you know?
- The phrase je dois m'éclipser uses a word derived from 'eclipse'. It describes leaving a social gathering secretly or quietly, as if the speaker is being blocked from view by a celestial body.
- When using je dois me casser to leave, you are using a verb that literally means 'to break'. In this context, it implies breaking away from a situation or snapping a connection.
- The informal phrase 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 smoothly as a thin piece of thread.
Examples in context
- Je dois y aller.I need to go.This sentence shows the basic way to say "I need to go" using je dois y aller.Tatoeba #952757 by sacredceltic, translation #2141961 by Dreamk33
- Je pense que je dois y aller.I think I need to go.This sentence is useful for expressing the thought "I think I need to go" with je dois y aller.Tatoeba #6667741 by Micsmithel, translation #3735244 by CK
- Excusez-moi. Je dois y aller.Excuse me. I need to go.This sentence demonstrates how to use je dois y aller after an apology.Tatoeba #8640799 by Aiji, translation #5181050 by AlanF_US
- Excusez-moi, je dois partir maintenant. J'ai une autre réunion.Excuse me, I need to go now. I have another meeting.
- Hé les gars, je dois filer maintenant. On se voit demain ?Hey guys, I need to run now. See you tomorrow?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking on the phone in the evening.
- LéaSalut Gabriel, tu as un moment ?Hi Gabriel, do you have a moment?
- GabrielOui, mais je dois bientôt manger.Yes, but I need to eat soon.
- LéaD'accord, je dois y aller, on se parle demain.Okay, I need to go, we'll talk tomorrow.
- GabrielÇa marche, à demain !Works for me, see you tomorrow!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
