What does it mean word for word?
The phrase on peut s'appeler literally translates to "one can call each other".
Which one should you use?
The phrase on peut s'appeler specifically implies calling one another (each other), whereas on peut appeler means "one can call [someone else]" and lacks that mutual connection.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form on peut s'appeler is informal and suitable for friends or casual acquaintances. For more formal or professional settings, you can use Pouvons-nous appeler?, Serait-il possible de téléphoner? or pouvons-nous nous appeler ? In an informal setting, you might also use On peut appeler? or Tu veux qu'on appelle?, the latter of which translates to "Do you want us to call?" or "Do you want to call?"
How does it change in a sentence?
While on peut s'appeler is a very common way to express this, using on peut se téléphoner is a more precise way to specify that the call is being made on the phone.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to include the reflexive pronoun s' (se). Note that on peut appeler without the reflexive pronoun means "one can call [someone else]" rather than "we can call each other".
Did you know?
- The verb used in on peut s'appeler is also the standard way to say 'to be named'. For example, Je m'appelle… means 'My name is…' because the verb literally means 'to call oneself'.
- The word on in on peut s'appeler shares a common ancestor with the English word 'man', both descending from the Latin 'homo' meaning 'human being'.
- In modern spoken French, using the pronoun nous instead of on in a phrase like pouvons-nous nous appeler can sound unnaturally stiff or formal to native speakers.
Examples in context
- Pouvons-nous appeler Monsieur Dupont demain?Can we call Mr. Dupont tomorrow?
- On peut appeler Julie après le travail?Can we call Julie after work?
- On peut s'appeler demain ?Can we call each other tomorrow?
- Est-ce qu'on peut s'appeler plus tard ?Can we call each other later?
- On peut s'appeler ce soir pour discuter ?Can we call each other tonight to talk?
Example conversation
Emma is texting Nathan to catch up.
- EmmaSalut Nathan, on peut s'appeler ?Hi Nathan, can we call each other?
- NathanOui Emma, je suis libre maintenant.Yes Emma, I am free now.
- EmmaParfait, je t'appelle tout de suite.Perfect, I'll call you right away.
- NathanD'accord, j'attends ton appel.Okay, I'm waiting for your call.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, peut, s'appeler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
