French Phrase
Je dois virer de l'argent sur un autre compte.
Meaning
The speaker is stating an obligation to move a sum of money from their current account to a different one. It can refer to a personal banking task, a business transaction, or a request from a third party.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are discussing banking operations, filling out a transfer form, or explaining to a colleague why you need to make a payment from a different account. It is common in both casual conversation and more formal contexts such as emails to a bank.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoisvirerdel'argentsurunautrecompte
Devoir (dois)
The verb *devoir* expresses obligation. When followed by another verb, it is conjugated and the second verb stays in the infinitive.
Virer (infinitive)
*Virer* means ‘to transfer (money)’. After *devoir*, it remains in the infinitive form.
Partitive article (de l')
When talking about an unspecified amount of a mass noun like *argent*, French uses the partitive article *de l'*.
Preposition *sur* for destination
*Sur* is the usual preposition to indicate the account that will receive the money.
Indefinite article + adjective (un autre)
*Un autre* means ‘another’ and agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
🗨In Conversation
Je dois virer de l'argent sur un autre compte avant la fin du mois.
I have to transfer money to another account before the end of the month.
Pas de problème, je peux t'aider à remplir le formulaire en ligne.
No problem, I can help you fill out the online form.
✕Common Mistakes
Je dois virer l'argent sur un autre compte.
Missing the partitive article *de*; you need *de l'argent* to indicate an unspecified amount.
Je dois virer de l'argent à un autre compte.
The correct preposition for the destination of a transfer is *sur* (or *vers*), not *à*.
Je dois virer de l'argent dans un autre compte.
While *dans* is understandable, native speakers prefer *sur* or *vers* for financial transfers.
↔Alternatives
Je dois transférer de l'argent sur un autre compte.
I have to transfer money to another account.
Il faut que je vire de l'argent vers un autre compte.
I need to move money to another account.
Je dois faire un virement vers un autre compte.
I have to make a transfer to another account.
Cultural Tip
In French banking, *virer* is widely understood but can sound a bit informal; *transférer* or *faire un virement* are preferred in formal written communication, especially when addressing a bank. Also, French banks often require the IBAN and BIC of the destination account, so be ready to provide those details.