on verra
The English phrase "we will see" is translated into French as on verra.
This phrase is used to indicate that a decision will be made or a result will be known in the future. You can use on verra to express genuine uncertainty about a future outcome or to non-committally defer a decision.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indefinite pronoun on (one/we) and the future tense of the verb voir (to see), literally meaning "one will see".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
On verra is the most common way to say "we will see" in conversation, but because it uses the pronoun on, it is considered more informal. For a formal way to say "we will see", use Nous verrons. Additionally, On verra bien is an informal phrase that conveys a sense of curiosity or resignation.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase on verra, the verb verra is the third-person singular future indicative form of voir, which is used to agree with the pronoun on.
Did you know?
- In many French families, on verra is often used by parents as a polite but firm way to say 'no' to a child without starting an immediate argument.
- The word on in on verra actually comes from the Latin word for 'human being'. It is a distant relative of the French word homme meaning 'man'.
- In French, the use of on to mean 'we' is so common in speech that using the grammatically formal nous can actually make you sound stiff or overly formal in a cafe or with friends.
Examples in context
- Je vous confirmerai ma présence demain. Nous verrons si mon emploi du temps me le permet.I will confirm my presence tomorrow. We will see if my schedule allows it.
- Si vous m'envoyez les informations avant demain après-midi, on verra si je peux vous aider.If you send me the information before tomorrow afternoon, we will see if I can help you.
- Tu penses que nous gagnerons le match ce soir ? On verra bien !Do you think we will win the match tonight? We'll see!
- Est-ce qu'il va pleuvoir ? – On verra.Is it going to rain? – We'll see.
- On verra si le temps est beau demain.We will see if the weather is nice tomorrow.
- On verra si ce projet est rentable.We will see if this project is profitable.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a possible trip.
- EmmaOn part en Italie cet été ?Are we going to Italy this summer?
- LucasJe ne sais pas encore, on verra.I don't know yet, we'll see.
- EmmaTu dois décider vite, Lucas.You have to decide quickly, Lucas.
- LucasD'accord, on verra ça ce week-end.Alright, we'll see about it this weekend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, CC BY-SA 4.0.
