French Phrase
On devrait regarder cette série ensemble un de ces jours.
Meaning
This phrase is a casual suggestion to watch a TV series with someone. 'On devrait' translates to 'we should' or 'one should', indicating a recommendation or a mild obligation. 'Un de ces jours' means 'one of these days' and implies a future, unspecified time.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to suggest watching a TV series or movie with a friend, family member, or acquaintance in a relaxed, informal way. It's perfect for initiating a plan without setting a specific date, keeping it open-ended.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ondevraitregardercette sérieensembleun de ces jours
On
'On' is an indefinite pronoun that can mean 'one', 'we', 'people in general', or even 'you' (informal). In spoken French, it's very frequently used as an informal substitute for 'nous' (we).
Devrait (Devoir)
'Devrait' is the conditional form of the verb 'devoir' (to have to, must). In this context, 'on devrait' means 'we should' or 'one should', expressing a suggestion or a mild recommendation.
Regarder
'Regarder' means 'to watch' or 'to look at'. It's used here in its infinitive form because it follows a modal verb ('devrait').
Cette série
'Cette' is a demonstrative adjective meaning 'this' or 'that'. 'Série' means 'series' (referring to a TV show). Together, 'cette série' means 'this series'.
Ensemble
'Ensemble' is an adverb meaning 'together'. It indicates that the action of watching will be done by more than one person simultaneously.
Un de ces jours
This idiomatic expression translates to 'one of these days'. It refers to an unspecified time in the near future, implying a casual and non-committal suggestion.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai commencé une nouvelle série, elle est géniale!
I started a new series, it's great!
Ah oui? On devrait regarder cette série ensemble un de ces jours.
Oh really? We should watch this series together one of these days.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous devrions regarder cette série ensemble un de ces jours.
While grammatically correct, 'nous devrions' is more formal. In casual spoken French, 'on devrait' is almost always preferred for 'we should'.
On devrait regarder cette série ensemble un de ces jours, non?
Adding 'non?' can make the suggestion sound less confident or more like seeking immediate confirmation, whereas the original phrase is a softer, open-ended suggestion.
↔Alternatives
Et si on regardait cette série ensemble bientôt?
How about we watch this series together soon?
Il faudrait qu'on regarde cette série ensemble.
We really should watch this series together.
On pourrait regarder cette série ensemble un de ces quatre.
We could watch this series together one of these days (more informal).
Cultural Tip
In French, 'on' is very commonly used in spoken language to mean 'we', even more so than 'nous'. It's less formal and more fluid. Using 'on devrait' for suggestions is a natural and friendly way to propose an activity, reflecting a relaxed approach to social planning. French culture often values a certain spontaneity in social interactions, and this phrase fits that well.