Avoir besoin de, devoir, falloir - which is appropriate when?

Sheri D.A1Kwiziq community member

Avoir besoin de, devoir, falloir - which is appropriate when?

I *think* I understand when to use “avoir besoin de” or “devoir”, but how/where does “falloir” work? (Note: I asked a similar question in the lesson on “falloir”)

This question relates to:French lesson "Devoir vs Avoir besoin de to express "to need to" in French"

Asked 1 month ago

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CélineKwiziq Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Bonjour Sheri,

In French, you will use "falloir" / "il faut" to express a general necessity or obligation.

Il faut manger des légumes = You must eat vegetables

Il faut manger pour vivre = You need to eat to live

Versus

J'ai besoin de dormir = I need to sleep

-> implies a personal need

Je dois dormir = I must sleep

-> implies a strong sense of obligation

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Like13 weeks ago

Sheri D. asked:

Avoir besoin de, devoir, falloir - which is appropriate when?

I *think* I understand when to use “avoir besoin de” or “devoir”, but how/where does “falloir” work? (Note: I asked a similar question in the lesson on “falloir”)

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