Dû (en. Of)

[dy]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Indicates an obligation or necessity in the past.

He had to leave earlier.

Il a dû partir plus tôt.

Expresses a consequence of an obligation.

She had to study for the exam.

Elle a dû étudier pour l'examen.

Used to talk about a necessary action.

We had to wait a long time.

Nous avons dû attendre longtemps.

Origin of the verb 'devoir', from the Latin 'debere'.

He had to

He was compelled to do something.

Il a dû

You should

It is recommended that you do something.

Tu devrais

I have to

I am obligated to do something.

Je dois

to have to

Obligation or task to be completed.

devoir

obligation

Legal or moral necessity to do something.

obligation

responsibility

Moral or legal duty to answer for one's actions.

responsabilité

To have an obligation

I had to do it, it was inevitable.

J'ai dû le faire, c'était inévitable.

To be forced

He had to adapt quickly to the changes.

Il a dû s'adapter rapidement aux changements.