PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🏃💨

How to Say ‘I have to go’ in French

Je dois y aller

zhuh dwah ee ah-LAY

[zhuh dwah ee ah-LAY]

💬 Usage Tip: The small word y means "there". It goes before aller, so this literally says "I must go there". It works as a fixed way of saying "I have to go".

Phrase Breakdown

Je dois

zhuh dwah

I have to

This comes from 'devoir' (must). Say it 'zhuh dwa'.

Example

Je dois travailler.

I have to work.

Words in this phrase

Je

[zhuh]

I

Pronoun used by the speaker to identify themselves.

Example

Je suis content.

I am happy.

dois

[dwah]

must / should

From 'devoir'; expresses obligation or what one should do.

Example

Qu'est-ce que je dois faire si elle ne mange pas ?

What should I do if she doesn’t eat?

y aller

ee ah-LAY

go (there) / get going

'Y aller' is a set phrase meaning 'to go' or 'to leave'. Blend it into 'ee-a-lay'.

Example

On va y aller.

We're going to get going.

Words in this phrase

y

[ee]

there

In or at that place.

Example

Y a-t-il une solution?

Is there a solution?

aller

[ah-LAY]

to go

A very common verb meaning 'to go.'

Example

On peut aller à la bibliothèque ce soir.

We can go to the library this evening.

Related guides

Hello in French: Greetings, Good Evening and How to Answer "How Are You?"How to say hello in French, when to switch to good evening, how to ask how are you and what to answer, with tu vs vous and native audio.French Conversation for Beginners: 6 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseSix basic French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour and introducing yourself to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant lessons were exactly what I needed — my French colleagues were genuinely impressed.”

Tom H., 38, Chef

“Studying in Paris and the academic French I learned in school was useless for daily life. This app filled the gap in weeks, not months.”

Nina W., 29, Graduate Student

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer