Bonjour! So, you want to know how to say “must” in French? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to express obligations, necessities, requirements, or strong recommendations, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the ways to use this word in both formal and informal contexts. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “must”
If you want to convey a sense of obligation or necessity in a formal manner, you have a few options. Here are some of the most common phrases:
- Devoir – This is the most direct translation of “must” in French. It is a verb that means “to have to” or “must.” For example:
Je dois terminer ce rapport aujourd’hui. (I must finish this report today.)
Être obligé de – This phrase is used to express a sense of being obliged or forced to do something. For example:
Il est obligé de partir plus tôt aujourd’hui. (He must leave earlier today.)
Il faut – This expression is commonly used to indicate a general necessity or requirement. It is impersonal, meaning it is not conjugated based on the subject. For example:
Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs. (You must do your homework.)
Informal ways to say “must”
When it comes to informal speech, you’ll often find that expressions using “must” are less direct and more nuanced. Here are some informal phrases commonly used:
- Devoir – We discussed this verb earlier, and it can also be used in informal speech. For example:
Tu dois absolument aller voir ce film. (You must absolutely go see this movie.)
Il faut que – This informal expression is similar to the formal one mentioned earlier. It conveys a sense of necessity or obligation in everyday conversation. For example:
Il faut que j’y aille maintenant. (I must go now.)
Avoir à – This phrase is commonly used to express the idea of having to do something. It’s a bit less strong than “must” and can be used more casually. For example:
J’ai à faire mes courses avant de rentrer chez moi. (I must/prefer to do my shopping before going home.)
Tips and examples to perfect your usage
Now that you know some formal and informal expressions for “must” in French, it’s important to understand how to use them correctly. Here are some tips and examples:
1. Verb conjugation
When using the verb “devoir,” remember to conjugate it based on the subject. Here’s a quick overview of its conjugation in the present tense:
- Je dois – I must
- Tu dois – You must (informal)
- Il/Elle/On doit – He/She/One must
- Nous devons – We must
- Vous devez – You must (formal/plural)
- Ils/Elles doivent – They must
2. Expressing strong recommendations
If you want to convey a strong recommendation without sounding too forceful, consider using the phrase “il est préférable de” (it is preferable to). For example:
Il est préférable de réviser avant l’examen. (It is preferable to revise before the exam.)
3. Varying your vocabulary
While “devoir” is the most common translation for “must” in French, it’s always good to have alternative expressions in your vocabulary arsenal. Here are a few more options:
- Falloir – This verb is synonymous with “il faut” and is often used in a more formal context.
- Exiger – This verb means “to demand” or “to require” and can be used to convey a sense of necessity.
- Obliger – This verb carries the idea of “making someone do something” and is useful for expressing strong obligations.
Remember to use these variations appropriately, depending on the formality and context of your conversation.
Wrapping it up
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “must” in French. From formal obligations to informal recommendations, you can confidently express a variety of necessities using the appropriate phrases. Just remember to pay attention to the conjugation of “devoir” and vary your vocabulary based on the formality of the situation. Keep practicing, and soon using “must” in French will feel like second nature!
Happy learning!
