Languages › French 'Vouloir,' 'Pouvoir,' 'Devoir': French Verbs These similarly conjugated verbs mean to "want," "be able," and "have to" Print wundervisuals / Getty Images French Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Resources For Teachers By ThoughtCo Team Updated on October 14, 2019 It is important to understand and be able to use three irregular French verbs—vouloir, pouvoir, and devoir — as they are very common as well as useful. They are often taught together because of the similarities in their conjugations. Conjugating "Vouloir," "Pouvoir," and "Devoir" The table below shows the basic conjugations and meaning of these verbs together with brief examples. Vouloir - to want Pouvoir - can, to be able to Devoir, must, to have to Je veux danser avec toi.I want to dance with you. Je peux danser avec toi.I can dance with you. Je dois danser avec toi.I have to dance with you. Voulez-vous parler?Do you wish to speak? Pouvez-vous parler?Can you speak? Devez-vous parler?Do you need to speak? je veux peux dois tu veux peux dois il veut peut doit nous voulons pouvons devons vous voulez pouvez devez ils veulent peuvent doivent Useful Conjugation Tables and Details Get a more in-depth look with these complete conjugation tables and details about these verbs: Conjugations of vouloir in all tenses Conjugations of pouvoir in all tenses Conjugations of devoir in all tenses Using vouloir Using pouvoir Using devoir Expressions with vouloir Expressions with pouvoir Devoir vs Falloir Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Team, ThoughtCo. "'Vouloir,' 'Pouvoir,' 'Devoir': French Verbs." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/vouloir-pouvoir-devoir-french-verbs-1368975. Team, ThoughtCo. (2023, April 5). 'Vouloir,' 'Pouvoir,' 'Devoir': French Verbs. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vouloir-pouvoir-devoir-french-verbs-1368975 Team, ThoughtCo. "'Vouloir,' 'Pouvoir,' 'Devoir': French Verbs." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/vouloir-pouvoir-devoir-french-verbs-1368975 (accessed April 25, 2024). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies