Bienvenue! Learning to express “we will” in French is a crucial step in mastering the language. Whether you want to talk about future plans with friends or engage in formal conversations, properly understanding and using this keyword is essential. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “we will” in French, providing you with a range of tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal ways to say “we will”
In formal situations, such as interviews, business meetings, or any interaction with individuals you should address using the vous form, use the following phrases to express “we will”:
1. Nous allons
The most common way to say “we will” in formal French is by using the phrase “nous allons.” It is a straightforward and universally understood expression. For instance:
Interviewer: Que feriez-vous pour améliorer notre entreprise?
You (formal): Nous allons mettre en place de nouvelles stratégies marketing.
Translation: Interviewer: What would you do to enhance our company?
You (formal): We will implement new marketing strategies.
2. Nous ferons
Another way to express “we will” formally is by using the phrase “nous ferons.” It implies a strong commitment to a future action. Consider the following example:
Manager: Pourriez-vous conclure le rapport pour demain?
You (formal): Oui, bien sûr. Nous le ferons sans faute.
Translation: Manager: Could you finish the report by tomorrow?
You (formal): Yes, of course. We will do it without fail.
Informal ways to say “we will”
When conversing with friends, family, or in any informal context, you can use different phrases to express “we will” in a more relaxed manner:
1. On va
“On va” is a widely used and versatile expression in informal French, which translates to “we will” in English. Here’s an example:
Friend: Tu veux aller au cinéma ce soir?
You (informal): Ouais, carrément! On va voir le dernier film d’action.
Translation: Friend: Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
You (informal): Yeah, definitely! We will watch the latest action movie.
2. Allez, on le fera
If you want to express determination or reassure someone informally, you can use the phrase “Allez, on le fera” (literally, “Come on, we’ll do it”). This adds a touch of encouragement and motivation to your response, as shown in the following example:
Sibling: J’ai besoin d’aide pour ranger ma chambre.
You (informal): Allez, on le fera ensemble. Ne t’inquiète pas.
Translation: Sibling: I need help tidying up my room.
You (informal): Come on, we’ll do it together. Don’t worry.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely used throughout the French-speaking world, it’s worth noting that regional variations exist as well. For example, in certain areas of Canada, the phrase “on va” is often replaced with “nous allons” in informal settings. Here’s an example:
Québécois Friend: Tu viens à la fête demain?
You (informal): Ben oui! Nous allons sûrement être présents.
Translation: Québécois Friend: Are you coming to the party tomorrow?
You (informal): Yeah, definitely! We will certainly be there.
Remember, regional variations are not mandatory to learn, but having awareness of them can help you understand conversations with speakers from different places.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a firm grasp on expressing “we will” in French. Whether you need to communicate formally or informally, you can confidently utilize the phrases and expressions outlined in this guide. Remember to adapt your language depending on the context, and keep in mind any regional variations in order to enhance your understanding of the language. Practice these phrases with native speakers or via language exchange platforms to refine your skills. Bonne chance!
