Can these sentences also be translated as ought?
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Jennifer C.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Can these sentences also be translated as ought?
e.g. Je devrais apprendre le français = i should or ought to learn french? In English ought is stronger than should, but in french, how would you distinguish them if at all?
This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate devoir in the conditional present in French = should (Le Conditionnel Présent)"
Asked 8 years ago
Bonjour Jennifer !
The meaning of "Je devrais" is before all "I should", meaning an obligation coming more from myself, as opposed to "I ought" implying a higher reason.
I would say that the French expression that could carry a similar connotation would be to use "il faudrait", "il faut" in Le Conditionnel Présent.
E.g. Il faudrait que je fasse mes devoirs. [I ought to do my homework]
-> feels like the obligation/need comes from an outside source
Je devrais faire mes devoirs. [I should do my homework]
-> feels more like a moral duty you impose on yourself
I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !
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