🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What are Vouloir, Devoir, and Pouvoir?

Vouloir, devoir, and pouvoir are three essential modal verbs in French that express what you want, must do, and can do. They always pair with another verb in the infinitive.

Short answer

Vouloir means 'to want', devoir means 'must/have to', and pouvoir means 'can/to be able'. Each combines with an infinitive: 'Je veux aller' (I want to go).

Modal verbs and their meanings

1
Vouloir
Means 'to want'. Je veux = I want
↓
2
Devoir
Means 'must/have to'. Je dois = I must
↓
3
Pouvoir
Means 'can/able'. Je peux = I can
↓
4
Construction
Modal + infinitive: Je veux parler

Step-by-step worked examples

Express: You want to drink coffee.

Subject: Je
Modal: veux (want)
Infinitive: boire (drink)
Sentence: Je veux boire du café

Express: You must study French.

Subject: Je
Modal: dois (must)
Infinitive: étudier (study)
Sentence: Je dois étudier le français

Express: You can speak English.

Subject: Je
Modal: peux (can)
Infinitive: parler (speak)
Sentence: Je peux parler anglais

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.'I want to go to Paris' in French?

Correct answer: A. 'Vouloir' (want) is the right modal. The infinitive 'aller' follows.

Q2.Complete: 'Je ____ travailler' (I must work)

Correct answer: C. 'Devoir' means 'must', expressing obligation.

Q3.Which verb means 'can' or 'to be able'?

Correct answer: C. 'Pouvoir' expresses ability or possibility.

Q4.What form follows a modal verb?

Correct answer: B. Modal verbs always pair with an infinitive.

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Common mistakes

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Je veux à aller Paris — Correct: Je veux aller à Paris (infinitive after modal, no 'à')

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Je dois manger pain — Correct: Je dois manger du pain (article before noun)

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Je peux parle français — Correct: Je peux parler français (infinitive 'parler', not conjugated)

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Je vouloir aller — Correct: Je veux aller (conjugate 'vouloir'; 'veux' is first person)

FAQ

What are modal verbs vouloir, devoir, pouvoir?

They are three essential verbs: vouloir (want), devoir (must/have to), pouvoir (can/able). All pair with an infinitive.

How do modal verbs differ?

Vouloir expresses desire, devoir expresses obligation or necessity, and pouvoir expresses ability or permission.

Are these verbs regular?

No — vouloir, devoir, and pouvoir are irregular. Each has a unique conjugation pattern you must memorize.

What comes after a modal verb?

Always the infinitive form of another verb. Example: Je veux manger (I want to eat), Je dois partir (I must leave).