French Phrase
Qu'est-ce que je devrais éviter?
Meaning
Literally, 'What should I avoid?' It is a polite way to ask for advice about actions, foods, or behaviors that might be problematic in a given context.
When to use
Use this question when you are entering a new environment—like a foreign country, a new workplace, or a social setting—and want to know the local taboos, risky habits, or common pitfalls to steer clear of.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qu'est-cequejedevraiséviter?
Qu'est-ce que
A fixed interrogative phrase meaning 'what' or 'what is', formed by contracting 'que' + 'est' + 'ce' + 'que'.
Conditional Present (devrais)
The conditional of 'devoir' expresses advice, suggestion, or what one should do.
Infinitive after devoir
When 'devoir' is followed by another verb, the second verb stays in the infinitive.
Negation with éviter
To say 'to avoid', the verb 'éviter' is used without a preposition; the object follows directly.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que je devrais éviter en France?
What should I avoid in France?
Évite de parler trop fort dans les cafés, et ne mets pas de fromage sur les fruits de mer.
Avoid speaking too loudly in cafés, and don't put cheese on seafood.
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est-ce que je devrais évite?
The conditional of devoir must be followed by the infinitive; do not conjugate 'éviter'.
Qu'est ce que je devrais éviter?
Missing the apostrophe and hyphens; the correct form is 'Qu'est‑ce que'.
Qu'est‑ce que je dois éviter?
Using present 'dois' changes the nuance to obligation rather than polite advice.
↔Alternatives
Quelles choses devrais-je éviter?
Which things should I avoid?
Qu'est‑il faut que j'évite?
What is it that I must avoid?
Y a‑t‑il des choses à éviter?
Are there things to avoid?
Cultural Tip
In French culture, asking for advice with a conditional (devrais) sounds courteous and shows respect for the interlocutor's experience. Avoid sounding too direct; prefacing with 's'il vous plaît' or a friendly preamble softens the request. Also, note that some regions have specific taboos—like not tipping in certain parts of Canada’s French‑speaking areas—so the answer may vary by locale.