French Phrase
Je dois en faire combien ?
Meaning
This question asks the speaker to specify the required number of items or tasks they have to complete. It can refer to anything from dishes to be cooked, pages to be written, or exercises to be done.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need clarification about the quantity you are expected to produce or accomplish, especially in informal conversation or classroom settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoisenfairecombien?
devoir (dois)
The verb devoir in the present tense expresses obligation; 'je dois' = 'I must / I have to'.
Pronoun en
The pronoun 'en' replaces a phrase introduced by 'de' and stands before the infinitive; here it refers to the thing to be done.
Infinitive faire
The infinitive 'faire' follows the conjugated verb 'devoir' to indicate the action that must be performed.
Interrogative combien
'Combien' asks about quantity and is placed at the end of the clause in informal spoken French.
🗨In Conversation
Je dois en faire combien ?
How many do I have to make?
Il faut en faire trois.
You need to make three.
✕Common Mistakes
Je dois faire en combien ?
The pronoun 'en' must come before the infinitive, not after 'combien'.
Combien en je dois faire ?
Word order is incorrect; 'en' must precede the infinitive and 'combien' stays at the end.
Je dois en combien faire ?
The infinitive 'faire' must directly follow 'en'.
↔Alternatives
Combien dois‑je en faire ?
How many must I make?
Quel nombre dois‑je faire ?
What number do I have to do?
Il faut que j’en fasse combien ?
How many should I make?
Cultural Tip
In spoken French, the interrogative adverb 'combien' often appears at the end of the clause, and the pronoun 'en' is placed before the infinitive. In more formal writing you might invert the subject and verb: 'Combien dois‑je en faire ?'. Also, be aware that 'en' can refer to a previously mentioned quantity, so make sure the context is clear.