How to Say "Should" in French

devrait

In French, the word for should is devrait.

The word is used to express an obligation.

Meaning: expressing obligation (verb)

Which one should you use?

While devrait expresses a suggestion or probability (should), doit expresses a direct, certain obligation (must).

The form devrait is the conditional mood of the verb devoir. To use 'should' with a plural subject like 'they', change the ending to devraient.

The verb devoir, from which devrait is derived, originally meant 'to owe money'. This creates a linguistic link between financial debt and moral obligation in French.
The word devoir is also the French noun for 'homework'. This reflects the idea that school assignments are a duty or an obligation.
Using devrait in a question can sometimes sound like a subtle accusation in French, implying that the person has already failed in their duty.

Ça devrait le faire.
That should be enough.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use devrait to express probability.
Tatoeba #1464865 by sacredceltic, translation #1243337 by CM
On devrait faire ça.
We should do this.
This sentence shows how to use devrait to express a suggestion.
Tatoeba #7050248 by Aiji, translation #4498067 by CK
On devrait le faire.
We should do it.
Tatoeba #13344915 by genes1s, translation #2953783 by CK
Vous devriez étudier davantage pour réussir cet examen.
You should study more to pass this exam.
Vous êtes censé arriver à l'heure.
You should arrive on time.
Ils sont censés se comporter de manière professionnelle.
They should behave professionally.
Il convient de lire attentivement les instructions.
One should read the instructions carefully.
Il convient de remercier les invités.
One should thank the guests.
Tu dois prendre tes responsabilités.
You should take responsibility.
On doit se soutenir mutuellement.
We should support each other.
Il faut que tu fasses attention.
You should be careful.
Il faut qu'on fasse plus d'efforts.
We should make more efforts.
Faudrait que tu t'assoies là-bas.
You should sit over there.
Faudrait qu'on s'aide mutuellement.
We should help each other.
610 more sentences on Tatoeba

Emma and Nathan are discussing their dinner plans.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏