nous sommes
nous sommes is the French way to say 'we are'.
This phrase is a first-person plural expression. To express the negative 'we are not', you should place ne before the verb and pas after it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the subject pronoun nous (we) and the first-person plural present tense of the verb être (to be), which is sommes (are).
Which one should you use?
While nous sommes is the grammatically standard form, on est is a common alternative used to mean 'we are' in spoken contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the informal alternative On est to mean 'we are', note that the pronoun on takes a singular verb conjugation even though it refers to a group.
Did you know?
- The phrase nous sommes is frequently used to state the date, such as nous sommes le 10 mai, whereas English speakers simply use 'it is'.
- In certain French dialects, people traditionally replaced nous sommes with je suis or other 'je' forms, such as 'je voyons' instead of 'nous voyons'.
- Historically, using 'je' instead of nous in certain regions was considered a peasant-like way of speaking and was a target of mockery by famous writers like Molière.
Examples in context
- Nous sommes heureux de vous accueillir ici aujourd'hui.We are pleased to welcome you here today.
- Nous nous trouvons dans une période de transition.We are in a period of transition.
- On est prêts à partir.We are ready to leave.
- Nous, nous sommes les meilleurs.We are the best.
- Nous ne sommes pas prêtsWe are not ready
- Nous sommes très heureux de vous voir.We are very happy to see you.
- Nous sommes en retard pour le dîner.We are late for dinner.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are arriving at a party.
- ChloéBonjour ! Nous sommes enfin arrivés.Hello! We have finally arrived.
- LucasSuper ! Vous êtes à l'heure.Great! You are on time.
- ChloéOui, nous sommes très impatients de commencer.Yes, we are very eager to start.
- LucasEntrez, je vous en prie !Come in, please!
