on y va
The English phrase 'we go' is translated into French as on y va.
On y va is a common and casual phrase used to suggest that it is time to leave or to begin an activity. It can mean 'we go' or 'let's go'. When used as an exclamation, such as On y va !, it functions as an exhortation to start a journey or an activity, similar to 'Let's get moving!'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun on (one/we), the adverb y (there) and the verb va (goes), literally meaning 'one there goes'.
Which one should you use?
While on y va is the much more common way to say 'we go' or 'let's go' in spoken French, nous y allons is the grammatically formal way to say 'we are going there'. Additionally, On part is an informal variation that uses the verb partir to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the pronoun on is used to mean 'we' in an informal or standard way, even though it is grammatically a third-person singular pronoun.
Did you know?
- The verb va comes from the Latin word vādō, which specifically referred to walking through water or crossing a ford.
- In Quebec, the y in phrases like on y va can sometimes function as a spoken contraction for the pronouns il or ils instead of the adverb meaning 'there'.
- If you hear on y va as a question, the speaker is often not asking if the group is physically moving, but rather if they are ready to begin a task.
Examples in context
- On y va ?Shall we go?This sentence is useful for asking if it is time to leave using on y va.Tatoeba #10665563 by AutoBot, translation #241078 by Dejo
- On y va souvent.We go there often.This sentence is useful for stating the frequency of an action with on y va.Tatoeba #11461285 by Aiji, translation #243833 by CK
- On s’en grille une petite et on y va ?Wanna have a smoke before we go?This sentence is useful for suggesting a brief activity before leaving using on y va.Tatoeba #3524256 by gillux, translation #12283845 by Lebensfreude
- Nous allons au cinéma ce soirWe are going to the cinema tonight.
- Nous partons pour Paris demainWe are leaving for Paris tomorrow.
- Nous nous déplaçons en trainWe are traveling by train.
- On part faire du shoppingWe're going shopping.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are at a café and need to head to the cinema.
- ManonOn y va ?Shall we go?
- LucasOui, on y va.Yes, let's go.
- ManonTu as tes clés ?Do you have your keys?
- LucasOui, je les ai.Yes, I have them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, va, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
