How to Say "We Should" in French

on devrait

In French, "we should" is expressed as on devrait.

This phrase is used to suggest a recommended course of action for a group of people.

Which one should you use?

While on devrait is used for suggestions ("we should"), the phrase on doit is used to express an obligation ("we must").

The phrase on devrait uses the indefinite pronoun on to mean "we" instead of using the more formal pronoun nous.

The word on is a linguistic relative of the English word 'man', as both words trace back to roots meaning 'human being' or 'person'.
In modern spoken French, using nous instead of on in a phrase like we should can make a speaker sound stiff or unnaturally formal to native ears.
The phrase on devrait can be used to voice a general societal opinion, acting as a 'universal we' that includes people not even present in the room.

On devrait faire ça.
We should do this.
This sentence shows how to use on devrait to suggest doing something.
Tatoeba #7050248 by Aiji, translation #4498067 by CK
On devrait le faire.
We should do it.
This sentence shows how to use on devrait to suggest doing it.
Tatoeba #13344915 by genes1s, translation #2953783 by CK
On devrait lui dire.
We should tell him.
This sentence shows how to use on devrait to suggest telling someone.
Tatoeba #13457397 by sacredceltic, translation #2770698 by CH
Nous devrions étudier davantage pour notre examen.
We should study more for our exam.
Il faudrait que nous essayions de réduire notre consommation d'énergie.
We should try to reduce our energy consumption.
On devrait arriver à l'heure pour la réunion.
We should arrive on time for the meeting.
Il vaudrait mieux que nous soyons plus patients avec les enfants.
We should be more patient with the children.
Nous devrions essayer ce nouveau restaurant.
We should try this new restaurant.
Peut-être devrions-nous penser à passer nos vacances en Bretagne?
Perhaps we should consider spending our vacation in Brittany?
78 more sentences on Tatoeba

Emma and Gabriel are discussing plans for their weekend.

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