French Phrase
Je dois bosser à fond.
Meaning
The sentence means “I have to work hard” or “I must give it my all.” It conveys a sense of urgency and dedication, implying that the speaker needs to put maximum effort into their work or a specific task.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to express that you need to focus intensely on a job, study session, project, or any activity that requires full commitment. It’s common in informal conversations among friends, classmates, or coworkers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoisbosseràfond
Modal verb *devoir*
*Dois* is the first‑person singular present of *devoir*, used to express obligation or necessity.
*Bosser* (slang)
*Bosser* is an informal verb meaning “to work.” It follows regular -er conjugation patterns.
Preposition *à* + noun
*À* introduces the manner in which the action is performed; *à fond* means “with full intensity.”
Adverbial phrase *à fond*
The phrase functions as an adverb, modifying the verb *bosser* to indicate the degree of effort.
🗨In Conversation
Je dois bosser à fond pour finir ce rapport avant demain.
I have to work hard to finish this report before tomorrow.
Bon courage ! Tu vas y arriver.
Good luck! You’ll manage it.
✕Common Mistakes
Je dois bosser à fond pour le projet officiel.
In formal writing, replace the slang *bosser* with *travailler*.
Je dois bosser au fond.
Do not add an extra article; the correct idiom is *à fond*, not *au fond*.
Je doit bosser à fond.
Make sure the verb agrees with the subject; *je* takes *dois*, not *doit*.
↔Alternatives
Je dois travailler à fond.
I have to work at full capacity.
Il faut que je me donne à fond.
I need to give it my all.
Je dois mettre les bouchées doubles.
I have to double my effort.
Cultural Tip
The verb *bosser* is slang for *travailler* and is widely used by younger speakers and in casual settings. In formal contexts (e.g., a business email), replace *bosser* with *travailler*. The expression *à fond* literally means “to the bottom,” but idiomatically it means “with full intensity.”