French Phrase
Je dois laver le linge aujourd'hui.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a personal obligation or a necessary task regarding household chores. It uses the modal verb 'devoir' (to have to) followed by the infinitive 'laver' (to wash) to indicate a required action.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing your daily schedule or explaining why you are busy with housework. It is perfectly suited for casual conversations with roommates, family, or friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoislaverle lingeaujourd'hui
Devoir (dois)
The verb 'devoir' expresses obligation. 'Je dois' is the first-person singular present form meaning 'I must' or 'I have to'.
Infinitive Construction
When two verbs are used together, the first is conjugated and the second ('laver') remains in its infinitive form.
Le linge
'Linge' is a masculine noun that refers to laundry or linens collectively.
🗨In Conversation
Tu es libre pour prendre un café cet après-midi ?
Are you free to grab a coffee this afternoon?
Désolé, je dois laver le linge aujourd'hui.
Sorry, I have to do the laundry today.
✕Common Mistakes
Je dois lave le linge aujourd'hui.
The second verb in a sequence must be in the infinitive form 'laver' after a conjugated verb like 'dois'.
Je dois laver le linge au jour d'hui.
'Aujourd'hui' is a single word and should never be split into separate parts.
↔Alternatives
Il faut que je fasse la lessive.
I must do the laundry.
J'ai de la lessive à faire.
I have some laundry to do.
Cultural Tip
In many French households, doing laundry is often scheduled during 'heures creuses' (off-peak hours) to save on electricity. Additionally, air-drying clothes on a 'tancarville' (drying rack) is much more common than using a mechanical dryer in city apartments.