Let's break it down:
1. "Devoir" meaning "to have to":
* This is the most common usage of the verb. It expresses obligation or necessity.
* Example: "Je dois aller travailler." (I have to go to work.)
* Conjugation: "je dois" (I have to), "tu dois" (you have to), "il/elle/on doit" (he/she/one has to), etc.
2. "Devoir" meaning "to owe":
* This usage signifies indebtedness or a moral obligation.
* Example: "Je te dois 10 euros." (I owe you 10 euros.)
* Conjugation: The same conjugation rules apply as for the "to have to" meaning.
"Je dois" and "I must" - Are they the same thing?
Yes, they are largely equivalent in meaning. "Je dois" emphasizes the obligation or necessity, while "I must" implies a stronger sense of urgency or compulsion. However, both convey the same idea.
Key takeaways:
* "Devoir" is a versatile verb with two main meanings: "to have to" and "to owe."
* The conjugation for both meanings is the same.
* "Je dois" and "I must" are interchangeable in most contexts.
Let me know if you have any other questions about "devoir" or other French verbs!