Usage note : should

Meaning ought to

When should is used to mean ought to, it is translated by the conditional tense of devoir :

we should leave at seven

= nous devrions partir à sept heures

The past should have meaning ought to have is translated by the past conditional of devoir :

she should have told him the truth

= elle aurait dû lui dire la vérité

The same verb is used in negative sentences :

you shouldn’t do that

= vous ne devriez pas faire ça

he shouldn’t have resigned

= il n’aurait pas dû démissionner

For the conjugation of devoir, see the French verb tables.

In conditional sentences

When should is used as an auxiliary verb to form the conditional, should + verb is translated by the conditional of the appropriate verb in French :

I should like to go to Paris

= j’aimerais aller à Paris

I should have liked to go to Paris

= j’aurais aimé aller à Paris

As a subjunctive in purpose clauses

When should is used as an auxiliary verb in that clauses, should + verb is translated by the subjunctive of the appropriate verb in French :

in order that they should understand

= pour qu’ils comprennent

For particular usages see the entry should.

Big English-French dictionary. 2003.