French Phrase
Je dois arriver à l'heure ?
Meaning
This question asks whether the speaker is required to be on time. It combines the modal verb devoir (must/should) with the infinitive arriver (to arrive) and the expression à l'heure (on time). The rising intonation signals a polite request for clarification.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to confirm a deadline or appointment, such as a meeting, class, or train departure, and you are unsure if punctuality is mandatory.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedoisarriveràl'heure?
Modal verb devoir
Doit is the present‑tense form of devoir, used to express obligation or necessity. It is followed by an infinitive.
Infinitive arriver
Arriver means ‘to arrive’. When combined with à + time expression, it indicates the moment of arrival.
Expression à l'heure
Literally ‘at the hour’, it means ‘on time’. The article l' contracts with à.
Question intonation
Adding a rising intonation or the optional “Est‑ce que” turns a statement into a polite question.
🗨In Conversation
Le cours commence à 9 h. Je dois arriver à l'heure ?
The class starts at 9 a.m. Do I have to arrive on time?
Oui, le professeur commence dès 9 h, alors il vaut mieux être à l'heure.
Yes, the teacher starts right at 9 a.m., so it's best to be on time.
✕Common Mistakes
Je suis arriver à l'heure ?
Use the infinitive arriver after devoir, not the past participle.
Je dois arriver à le heure ?
The article contracts: à + le → au, but with heure you need à l' because heure is feminine.
Dois je arriver à l'heure ?
In formal written French, invert the subject and verb: Dois‑je arriver…
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que je dois être à l'heure ?
Do I have to be on time?
Dois‑je arriver à l'heure ?
Must I arrive on time?
Faut‑il que j'arrive à l'heure ?
Is it necessary that I arrive on time?
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking cultures punctuality is often valued, especially for professional or academic settings. However, social gatherings may be more relaxed; arriving a few minutes late is usually acceptable unless the host explicitly stresses the importance of being on time.