French Phrase
Je dois en parler avec eux.
Meaning
Literally, “I must talk about it with them.” The phrase expresses an obligation to discuss a specific matter (represented by *en*) with a group of people.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to tell someone that you have to bring up a particular topic with a specific group – for example, a work project, a family issue, or a school assignment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoisenparleraveceux.
Subject pronoun
"Je" is the first‑person singular subject pronoun, used before the verb.
Devoir (dois)
"Dois" is the present‑tense form of the modal verb devoir, meaning ‘must’ or ‘have to’.
Pronoun “en”
"En" replaces a complement introduced by *de* (e.g., *de cela*), avoiding repetition.
Infinitive “parler”
After a modal verb like devoir, the following verb stays in the infinitive.
Preposition “avec”
"Avec" means ‘with’ and introduces the people you will talk to.
Object pronoun “eux”
"Eux" is the stressed pronoun for ‘them’ used after a preposition.
🗨In Conversation
Tu as entendu parler du nouveau plan marketing?
Did you hear about the new marketing plan?
Oui, je dois en parler avec eux demain.
Yes, I have to talk about it with them tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Je dois le parler avec eux.
Using *le* instead of *en* would incorrectly replace a direct object, not a *de*‑phrase.
Je dois parler avec eux.
Omitting *en* loses the reference to the specific subject you need to discuss.
Je dois en parler à eux.
The preposition after *parler* is *avec* when you talk *with* people, not *à*.
↔Alternatives
Il faut que je discute de cela avec eux.
I need to discuss that with them.
Je dois leur parler de ça.
I must talk to them about it.
Je dois en discuter avec eux.
I have to discuss it with them.
Cultural Tip
In French, using *en* to replace *de + noun* is very common and sounds more natural than repeating the noun. Also, *devoir* conveys a stronger sense of duty than the softer *il faut*; choose the one that matches the level of obligation you want to express.