Can these sentences also be translated as ought?

Question

e.g.  Je devrais apprendre le français = i should or ought to learn french?  In English ought is stronger than should, but in french, how would you distinguish them if at all?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Jennifer !
The meaning of "Je devrais" is before all "I should", meaning an obligation coming more from myself, as opposed to "I ought" implying a higher reason.
I would say that the French expression that could carry a similar connotation would be to use "il faudrait", "il faut" in Le Conditionnel Présent.
E.g. Il faudrait que je fasse mes devoirs.    [I ought to do my homework]-> feels like the obligation/need comes from an outside source
Je devrais faire mes devoirs.    [I should do my homework]-> feels more like a moral duty you impose on yourself
I hope that's helpful!À bientôt !

Answer

Thank you