aurais dû
The English phrase "should have" is translated into French as aurais dû.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on the subject. You must use aurait dû when the subject is the third person singular (he, she or it). If you are addressing a group of people or using the formal vous form, use auriez dû. While aurais dû expresses a past obligation that wasn't met, devrais avoir is used to express a present expectation of possession or a state (e.g., 'I should have a car').
Did you know?
- The word dû shares its DNA with the English word 'debt'. Both come from the Latin 'debitum', meaning something that is owed.
- In French, the circumflex accent on the 'u' in dû is a special marker used specifically to distinguish it from the word du, which means 'of the'.
- If a French speaker says j'aurais dû without finishing the sentence, it is understood as a complete expression of deep regret, similar to saying 'if only' in English.
Examples in context
- J'aurais dû dire ça.I should have said that.This sentence is useful for practicing the form aurais dû.Tatoeba #7785871 by Aiji, translation #4352415 by shmo
- Tu aurais dû le voir.You should have seen it.Tatoeba #563254 by sacredceltic, translation #17549 by CK
- Tu aurais dû la voir.You should have seen it!Tatoeba #563255 by sacredceltic, translation #407856 by blay_paul
- Il aurait fallu venir plus tôt.You should have come earlier.
- Tu aurais dû appeler hier.You should have called yesterday.
- Il fallait le dire plus tôt.You should have said it earlier.
- 214 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about a missed train.
- LéaOn a raté le train !We missed the train!
- LucasJ'aurais dû partir plus tôt.I should have left earlier.
- LéaMoi aussi, je suis désolée.Me too, I am sorry.
- LucasOn aurait dû prendre un taxi.We should have taken a taxi.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dû, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
