French Phrase
Je dois aller à une réunion de famille.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a personal obligation or necessity to attend a gathering of family members. It uses the modal verb 'devoir' to indicate that the action is required, often due to social or familial expectations.
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining your schedule or declining an invitation because of a family commitment. It is appropriate for both professional and casual conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoisalleràuneréuniondefamille
Devoir (dois)
The verb 'devoir' means 'must' or 'have to'. Here it is conjugated in the present tense for the first person singular.
Infinitive after Devoir
When 'devoir' is used as a modal verb, it is followed directly by an infinitive verb like 'aller' (to go).
Preposition 'à'
The preposition 'à' is used to indicate the destination or the event you are attending.
🗨In Conversation
Tu es libre pour le déjeuner samedi ?
Are you free for lunch on Saturday?
Non, je dois aller à une réunion de famille.
No, I have to go to a family reunion.
✕Common Mistakes
Je dois aller à une réunion de la famille.
In the expression 'réunion de famille', the article 'la' is omitted to form a general category of event.
Je dois aller à un réunion de famille.
'Réunion' is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by the feminine indefinite article 'une'.
↔Alternatives
J'ai une réunion de famille.
I have a family reunion.
Je participe à une fête de famille.
I am participating in a family party.
Cultural Tip
In France, family reunions often involve long, multi-course meals that can last for several hours. Mentioning a 'réunion de famille' is a very common and respected reason for being unavailable on weekends.