French Phrase
Faut que j'aille faire des courses.
Meaning
This phrase is an informal way to say you need to run errands, specifically for food or household necessities. It uses a shortened version of 'Il faut que' and requires the subjunctive verb form 'aille'.
When to use
Use this in casual conversation with friends, family, or colleagues when explaining why you are busy or where you are going. It is the standard way to refer to routine supermarket trips.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Faut quej'aillefairedes courses
Faut que
This is a common spoken contraction of 'Il faut que', used to express obligation or necessity.
Subjunctive Mood
'J'aille' is the subjunctive form of the verb 'aller' (to go), which is mandatory after expressions of necessity like 'il faut que'.
🗨In Conversation
Tu es libre cet après-midi ?
Are you free this afternoon?
Pas vraiment, faut que j'aille faire des courses.
Not really, I have to go grocery shopping.
✕Common Mistakes
Faut que je vais faire des courses.
The expression 'Il faut que' always requires the subjunctive mood; 'vais' is indicative and should be 'aille'.
Faut que j'aille faire du shopping.
In French, 'shopping' refers to buying clothes or luxury items, whereas 'courses' refers to groceries and essentials.
↔Alternatives
Je dois faire les courses.
I must do the shopping.
Il faut que j'aille au supermarché.
I need to go to the supermarket.
Cultural Tip
In France, dropping the 'Il' in 'Il faut que' is very common in spoken language to sound more natural. While 'les courses' refers to a specific list, 'des courses' is slightly more general, though both are used frequently.