on a
The English phrase "we have" is translated into French as on a.
This phrase is used to describe something that people in general possess or experience.
Which one should you use?
While on a is the standard way to say "we have" in spoken French, nous avons is the formal version used in writing or very formal speech. For an even more formal tone, you may use nous possédons, which translates to "we possess".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase on a, the word on functions as the subject pronoun "we", even though its literal grammatical meaning is "one" or "someone".
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to conjugate the verb to a plural form to match the meaning of "we" (such as on avons), but on always requires the singular verb form.
Did you know?
- The word on traces its lineage back to the Latin 'homō', which literally means 'a human being'.
- Although on takes a singular verb like a, French speakers will often use plural adjectives to describe the people they are referring to when using on a.
- While on a is the standard spoken way to say 'we have', using the formal nous avons in a casual café setting might actually make you sound stiff or overly dramatic.
Examples in context
- On a le sien.We have his.This sentence is useful for showing the use of on a.Tatoeba #13326607 by genes1s, translation #11051576 by sundown
- On a été à Paris.We have been in Paris.Tatoeba #780901 by sacredceltic, translation #2769195 by catcher
- On a tout essayé.We have tried everything.Tatoeba #4737994 by lovasoa, translation #1702449 by Spamster
- Nous avons un rendez-vous important demain.We have an important appointment tomorrow.
- Nous possédons une grande expérience dans ce domaine.We have a lot of experience in this field.
- On a une surprise pour toiWe have a surprise for you
- Nous avons une réunion importante demain.We have an important meeting tomorrow.
- On a réservé une table dans ce restaurant.We have reserved a table at this restaurant.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about their upcoming vacation.
- LucasOn a un peu de chance.We have a bit of luck.
- LéaOui, on a de beaux projets.Yes, we have great plans.
- LucasEst-ce qu'on a le temps de partir ?Do we have time to leave?
- LéaOn a tout notre temps.We have all the time in the world.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, on, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
