on peut
In French, "can we" is translated as on peut.
A phrase used to ask if it is possible for people in general or a group to do something.
Which one should you use?
While nous pouvons is the grammatically formal way to say "we can", on peut is much more common in spoken, everyday French.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
On peut and Est-ce qu'on peut are used for informal, casual conversation. For a formal way to say "can we", use Pouvons-nous.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase on peut, the pronoun on is used to mean "we" in a general or informal sense, even though it grammatically takes the third-person singular verb form peut.
Did you know?
- The word on evolved from the Latin homō, meaning 'human being'. This is the same root that gave French the word homme for 'man'.
- The word on is a linguistic chameleon that can mean 'we', 'one', 'people', or even the indefinite 'someone' depending on the context.
- In many French-speaking regions, using on peut to mean 'we can' is so ubiquitous that using the formal nous pouvons in a casual setting can actually make you sound slightly unnatural or overly stiff.
Examples in context
- On peut le faire ?Can we do it?This sentence is useful for asking if it is possible to do something with the form on peut.Tatoeba #7960309 by Micsmithel, translation #2549796 by CK
- Eh, on peut se bouger ?Hey, can we get a move on?This sentence is useful for asking to hurry up with the form on peut.Tatoeba #3961698 by sacredceltic, translation #3731232 by CM
- On peut dormir un peu ?Can we get some sleep?This sentence is useful for asking to sleep with the form on peut.Tatoeba #6465857 by nimfeo, translation #2890985 by CK
- Pouvons-nous discuter de ce projet demain matin ?Can we discuss this project tomorrow morning?
- Pouvons-nous organiser une réunion pour en discuter ?Can we set up a meeting to talk about it?
- Pouvons-nous évoquer cette question lors de la prochaine conférence ?Can we address this issue during the next conference?
- On peut aller au cinéma ce soir ?Can we go to the movies tonight?
- Est-ce qu'on peut emprunter tes stylos ?Can we borrow your pens?
- On peut commander une pizza pour le dîner ?Can we order a pizza for dinner?
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are at a restaurant.
- LucasOn peut commander ?Can we order?
- ManonOui, le serveur arrive.Yes, the waiter is coming.
- LucasTu as faim, Manon ?Are you hungry, Manon?
- ManonOui, j'ai très faim !Yes, I am very hungry!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, peut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
