What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nous parlons français breaks down into nous (we), parlons (speak/are speaking) and français (French).
Which one should you use?
The form nous parlons français is more formal and grammatically precise than the colloquial on parle français. Additionally, Chez nous, on parle français specifically means "At our place, we speak French."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the French-speaking parts of Switzerland, you can say Nous parlons français en Suisse to mean "We speak French in Switzerland." In Canada (Québec), the phrase On parle français icitte is used to mean "We speak French here."
How does it change in a sentence?
In everyday spoken French, the pronoun on is much more common than nous when you want to say "we."
What mistakes should you avoid?
When writing the name of the language, do not capitalize it. While English speakers often capitalize "French," in French, français is not capitalized when used as a noun or an adjective.
Did you know?
- While nous means 'we', the exact same spelling in French can also refer to the 'mind' or 'intellect', stemming from the Ancient Greek word noûs.
- The use of the singular je to mean 'we' was once a target of ridicule by playwrights like Molière, as it was seen as a marker of peasant speech.
- The word français comes from the Late Latin word Francus, referring to the Franks, a Germanic tribe that gave France its name.
Examples in context
- Nous parlons français ici.We speak French here.This sentence shows how to use nous parlons français to specify a location.Tatoeba #9159308 by Julien_PDC, translation #6805710 by CK
- Nous parlons français.We speak French.This sentence provides a simple way to use nous parlons français.Tatoeba #4779821 by sacredceltic, translation #4667249 by CK
- Nous parlons français et nous serions ravis de collaborer avec vousWe speak French, and we would be delighted to collaborate with you
- Chez nous, on parle français couramment ! Vous êtes tous les bienvenus !At our place, we speak French fluently! You are all welcome!
- Nous parlons français avec les clients.We speak French with the clients.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are introducing themselves to a tourist.
- NathanBonjour ! Est-ce que vous comprenez ?Hello! Do you understand?
- LéaOui, nous parlons français.Yes, we speak French.
- NathanC'est super, merci beaucoup !That's great, thank you very much!
- LéaDe rien, Nathan.You're welcome, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries français, nous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
