A2BeginnerPronouns · Point 18 / 40
on = nous, on = nous, on = les gens, on + être
In speech, “on” almost always replaces “nous”.
| Use of “on” | Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| on = nous | — | in speech, “on” almost always replaces “nous”. |
| on = nous | — | “on” = “we”, but the verb stays third-person singular. |
| on = les gens | — | “on” refers to people in general, not one specific group. |
| on | + être | with “être”, the participle usually takes the plural ending. |
The verb stays in the third-person singular, as with “il”: on va, on peut, on est. In the passé composé with “être” the participle usually takes the plural mark: “on est allés”.
Examples from our dialogues 5 · 4 with audio
- Listen
On va à l'épicerie d'abord, puis à la pharmacie.
We'll go to the grocery store first, then the pharmacy.
Check The Full DialogueSaturday-morning errands
- Listen
On commence par les cartons de la cuisine, ils sont prêts.
We start with the kitchen boxes, they're ready.
Check The Full DialogueMoving day
- Listen
On peut venir avec notre fils ?
Can we come with our son?
Check The Full DialogueInviting to a birthday party
- Listen
On peut mélanger n'importe quelle couleur sur place. Vous avez un échantillon ?
We can mix any colour on site. Do you have a sample?
Check The Full DialogueBuying paint
Au Québec, on dit souvent « bonjour » en entrant dans un commerce.
In Quebec, people often say “bonjour” when they walk into a shop.
Common mistakes
On allons au parc.On va au parc.
Even though “on” means “we”, the verb is conjugated as with “il”: on va, on peut, on est.
Practise speaking
La vie de familleFamily life
Home, children, family meals — the French of everyday family life.
These dialogues use this point. They open on the dialogue page (audio, vocabulary to save).