Common Modal-like Verbs in French: Devoir, Pouvoir, Vouloir

In French, some verbs behave like modals (similar to must, can, want to in English). They are very common and extremely useful in everyday conversation 🚀.

The three most important are:
👉 Devoir = must / have to / should
👉 Pouvoir = can / to be able to
👉 Vouloir = to want

---

1. Devoir = must / have to / should 📝

This verb expresses obligation, necessity or probability.

✅ Examples:

• Je dois finir mes devoirs. 📚
  = I must finish my homework.

• Tu dois travailler demain.
  = You have to work tomorrow.

• Il doit être fatigué. 😴
  = He must be tired (probability).

• Nous devons partir maintenant.
  = We must leave now.

👉 Tip: In the conditional, devoir means should.

• Tu devrais dormir plus. 🛌
  = You should sleep more.

---

2. Pouvoir = can / to be able to 💪

This verb expresses ability, permission or possibility.

✅ Examples:

• Je peux parler français. 🇫🇷
  = I can speak French.

• Tu peux m’aider, s’il te plaît ? 🙏
  = Can you help me, please?

• On peut entrer ?
  = Can we come in?

• Nous pouvons commencer le cours.
  = We can start the lesson.

• Ils ne peuvent pas venir ce soir.
  = They cannot come tonight.

---

3. Vouloir = to want ❤️

This verb expresses desire or will.

✅ Examples:

• Je veux un café. ☕
  = I want a coffee.

• Tu veux sortir ce soir ?
  = Do you want to go out tonight?

• Il veut apprendre le français. 🇫🇷
  = He wants to learn French.

• Nous voulons voyager en été. ✈️
  = We want to travel in summer.

• Ils veulent voir ce film. 🎬
  = They want to see this movie.

👉 Politeness tip: Use je voudrais (conditional of vouloir) instead of je veux to sound more polite.

• Je voudrais un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît. 💧
  = I would like a glass of water, please.

---

🔎 How they are used

These verbs are usually followed by another infinitive verb.

Structure:

Subject + (devoir/pouvoir/vouloir) + infinitive

Examples:

• Je dois étudier. (I must study)

• Je peux venir. (I can come)

• Je veux dormir. (I want to sleep)

---

🎯 Mini Quiz

Translate into French:

1. She can play the piano. 🎹

2. We must go to school. 🏫

3. I want to eat pizza. 🍕

4. They should study more. 📚

---

✅ Answers:

1. Elle peut jouer du piano.

2. Nous devons aller à l’école.

3. Je veux manger une pizza.

4. Ils devraient étudier plus.

---

✨ Voilà ! Now you know how to use the three most important modal-like verbs in French: devoir, pouvoir, vouloir.
They are essential for daily conversations and will make your French much more natural 🚀.