How to Use "On" in French: Impersonal and Colloquial Uses
Introduction
"On" is one of the most frequently used words in French, yet its multiple meanings can make it confusing for learners. This small but powerful pronoun can replace "nous" in informal speech, function as an impersonal subject, and even have vague or general uses. Understanding how to use "on" correctly is key to sounding more natural in French conversations.
Many learners struggle with its nuances and conjugations, but with clear explanations and real-life examples, mastering "on" becomes much easier. At Polyglottist Language Academy, our expert instructors help students practice these concepts in real conversations, making learning effective and engaging.
What Does "On" Mean in French?
"On" is a subject pronoun in French that can have different meanings depending on the context:
Impersonal subject – Used when referring to people in general or an unspecified subject.
Colloquial "nous" – Commonly used in spoken French instead of "nous" to mean "we."
Vague/general subjects – Can refer to an unknown or unspecified group.
Using "On" as an Impersonal Subject
One of the most common uses of "on" is to express general truths or statements where the subject is not a specific person.
Examples:
On dit que le français est difficile. → "People say that French is difficult."
On doit respecter les règles. → "One must respect the rules."
En France, on mange beaucoup de fromage. → "In France, people eat a lot of cheese."
This is similar to using "one," "you," or "people" in English to refer to a general subject.
Colloquial Uses of "On" in Everyday Speech
In casual spoken French, "on" is often used instead of "nous" to mean "we." This is a key feature of conversational French and makes speech sound more natural.
Examples:
On va au cinéma ce soir ? → "Are we going to the movies tonight?"
On est allés à la plage ce week-end. → "We went to the beach this weekend."
On veut commander une pizza. → "We want to order a pizza."
Even though "on" replaces "nous," verbs conjugated with "on" remain in the third-person singular form.
How to Conjugate Verbs with "On"
Regardless of its meaning, "on" always takes a third-person singular verb form, even when it replaces "nous."
Examples:
On parle français ici. → "We speak French here."
On a fini le travail. → "We finished the work."
On va bientôt partir. → "We are going to leave soon."
This can be tricky for learners who expect "on" to be followed by plural verb endings when used as "we." However, the verb always remains singular.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Confusing "on" with "nous" in formal writing
Incorrect: On aimerions vous remercier.
Correct: Nous aimerions vous remercier.
Forgetting that "on" takes a singular verb
Incorrect: On sommes fatigués.
Correct: On est fatigués.
Using "on" in inappropriate contexts
Incorrect (formal writing): On a décidé d’adopter une nouvelle stratégie.
Correct: Nous avons décidé d’adopter une nouvelle stratégie.
Practical Tips for Mastering "On" in French
Listen to native speakers and note how often "on" is used instead of "nous."
Practice replacing "nous" with "on" in your spoken French to sound more natural.
Remember that verbs with "on" are always singular.
Use context clues to determine whether "on" is being used impersonally or colloquially.
How Our French Classes Can Help
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we provide hands-on learning experiences to help students master tricky concepts like "on" in French. Our courses include:
Interactive speaking exercises to practice real-life conversations.
Personalized feedback from experienced instructors.
Engaging grammar lessons to clarify usage rules.
Join our French courses today and gain confidence in using "on" like a native speaker!
Conclusion & Call to Action
"On" is a small but essential pronoun that plays a major role in French communication. Whether used impersonally, in everyday speech, or with general subjects, understanding "on" can help you sound more natural in French conversations.
Want to practice using "on" correctly? Sign up for our French classes at Polyglottist Language Academy today!
Do you use "on" instead of "nous" in casual conversations? Let us know in the comments!