nous sommes là
The English phrase "we are here" is translated into French as nous sommes là.
This phrase is used to announce one's arrival or presence at a specific location.
Which one should you use?
While nous sommes là is the most common way to say "we are here", the phrase nous sommes ici serves as a more precise, formal alternative that emphasizes the immediate location. Additionally, nous sommes présents ici is a formal way to express "we are here" specifically to emphasize presence.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase nous sommes là is an acceptable way to say "we are here" in informal situations. In casual spoken French, people frequently replace it with the informal on est là. For a formal context emphasizing presence, you may use Nous sommes présents ici.
Did you know?
- Historically, in many French regions like Normandy and Burgundy, speakers used the singular 'I' form, je, to express the collective 'we'.
- Using singular verb forms to mean 'we' was once a social marker, often mocked by playwrights like Molière as the speech of peasants.
- The word là uses a grave accent specifically to prevent it from being confused with the word la, which means 'the'.
Examples in context
- Nous sommes là pour défendre les droits des travailleurs.We are here to defend workers' rights.This sentence shows how to use nous sommes là when expressing a purpose, such as defending rights.Tatoeba #11730901 by Aiji, translation #11731109 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- C'est pour ça que nous sommes là.That's why we are here.This sentence demonstrates the use of nous sommes là to explain a reason for being in a location.Tatoeba #1343074 by alexmarcelo, translation #1343070 by CC
- L'équipe est prête pour la réunion. Nous sommes ici pour discuter des nouveaux projets.The team is ready for the meeting. We are here to discuss the new projects.
- En tant que représentants de notre entreprise, nous sommes présents ici pour établir des partenariats durables.As representatives of our company, we are here to establish lasting partnerships.
- Je tiens à vous informer que nous sommes là pour assister à la conférence.I want to inform you that we are here to attend the conference.
- Salut tout le monde! On est là pour la soirée!Hey, everyone! We are here for the party!
- Les enfants jouent au parc. Nous sommes là pour les superviser.The children are playing at the park. We are here to supervise them.
- Ne t'inquiète pas, nous sommes là.Don't worry, we are here.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan arrive at a friend's house.
- EmmaOn frappe à la porte, nous sommes là !We're knocking on the door, we are here!
- NathanEntrez, je vous attendais.Come in, I was waiting for you.
- EmmaMerci, Nathan a apporté le dessert.Thanks, Nathan brought the dessert.
- NathanC'est super, betweenez dans le salon.That's great, come into the living room.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries là, nous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
