Chapter 6: Les Verbes Magiques (The Magic Verbs)

Unlock the entire language with just three verbs. If you can conjugate these, you can use any other verb in the dictionary instantly.

The Golden Rule (The One-Two Rule)

In French, when two verbs walk together, the first one does the work (conjugation), and the second one relaxes (infinitive).

Subject + Conjugated Modal + Infinitive
Je veux + manger = "I want to eat"

Part 1: Vouloir (To Want)

Use this for desires and requests.

CONJUGATION: VOULOIR
  • Je veux (I want)
  • Tu veux (You want)
  • Il/Elle veut (He/She wants)
  • Nous voulons (We want)
  • Vous voulez (You want)
  • Ils/Elles veulent (They want)

Part 2: Pouvoir (Can / To be able to)

Use this for ability ("I can") or permission ("May I?").

CONJUGATION: POUVOIR
  • Je peux (I can)
  • Tu peux (You can)
  • Il/Elle peut (He/She can)
  • Nous pouvons (We can)
  • Vous pouvez (You can)
  • Ils/Elles peuvent (They can)
Use "Je peux" for both ability ("I know how to") and permission ("I am allowed to").

Part 3: Devoir (Must / To have to)

Use this for obligation or necessity.

CONJUGATION: DEVOIR
  • Je dois (I must)
  • Tu dois (You must)
  • Il/Elle doit (He/She must)
  • Nous devons (We must)
  • Vous devez (You must)
  • Ils/Elles doivent (They must)

Part 4: The "Action List" (Infinitives)

These are dictionary-form verbs. You don't conjugate them when used after a Magic Verb!

Part 5: The Power Builder

Combine: Subject + Magic Verb + Action. If you get the Green Light, you've built a real sentence.

1. Subject
2. Magic Verb
3. Action
...
Select one option from each column.

Rapid Acquisition Flashcards

Lock these conjugations effectively using the "Two-Verb Rule".

Import Flashcards
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