Description
Martha from Cape Cod in the USA is confused about when to use the verb FALLOIR and when to use DEVOIR in French. As a result, she says she exclusively uses DEVOIR. The two verbs actually have the same meaning but the structure of the sentence will be different. Let's see how they work, with concrete examples. I'll also give you additional meanings for DEVOIR đ
Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode
Devoir = je dois, tu dois, il/elle/on doit, nous devons, vous devez, ils doivent
Pour faire des crĂȘpes, il faut de la farine, des Ćufs, etc. = on doit prendre/avoirâŠ
Il faut manger pour vivre.
Il faut que vous me racontiez ça ! = vous devez me raconter ça !
Il faut que j'y aille / que je parte maintenant. = je dois partir / y aller.
Il faut que nous y allions / que nous partions. = nous devons partir / y aller.
Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs. = tu dois faire tes devoirs
Il faut environ 3 heures pour faire Paris-Marseille en train. = It takes about three hours to get from Paris to Marseilles by train.
Les enfants se sont faits mal en se bagarrant : ça devait arriver ! = The kids hurt each other fighting. That was bound to happen!
Vous devez ĂȘtre heureux de cette belle nouvelle !
Il est en retard, il doit ĂȘtre dans les embouteillages.
Je dois mille euros Ă la banque.
Je vous dois des remerciements pour votre aide. = I owe you a big thank you for your help.
Un devoir = a duty ; assignment, homework
Links and Resources
FYW 080: Introduction to the Subjunctive (Part 1)
FYW 083: Introduction to the Subjunctive (Part 2)
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Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode
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