Devoir (must) · Présent
By TutorLily Editorial Team · Last updated
Devoir in the French présent is: je dois, tu dois, il/elle/on doit, nous devons, vous devez, ils/elles doivent. The present of devoir expresses obligation ('je dois partir' = I must leave) or probability ('il doit être fatigué' = he must be tired). The stem alternates between 'doi-' and 'dev-'.
| To Have To | Devoir |
|---|---|
| I have to | je dois |
| you have to | tu dois |
| he/she has to | il/elle/on doit |
| we have to | nous devons |
| you have to | vous devez |
| they have to | ils/elles doivent |
Devoir (must) in context
Sentences that use devoir in the présent. Tap each to hear it.
I have to leave now.
You must be tired after that trip.
He has to finish his project tonight.
We have to talk about something important.
You must try this restaurant.
They have to arrive at six.
Working with the présent
French uses the present tense more broadly than English does. "Je parle français" can mean "I speak French," "I am speaking French," or "I do speak French" — context decides. Note that "on" (technically third-person singular: "on parle") is the everyday spoken equivalent of "nous" — French speakers use it constantly in conversation. "Nous parlons" feels more formal or written; "on parle" is what you actually hear in everyday speech.
Frequently asked questions
How do you conjugate devoir in the present tense?
When does 'devoir' mean 'must' vs 'must be' (probability)?
What does 'devoir' mean as a transitive verb?
Practice Devoir (Must) in real conversations
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