What does it mean word for word?
The phrase où allons-nous ? is composed of où (where), allons (the first-person plural form of aller, to go) and nous (we). Literally, it translates to "where go we?"
Which one should you use?
While où allons-nous ? uses inversion to form a question, you may also encounter où est-ce que nous allons ?, which is a standard way to ask the question. In casual speech, the word order often shifts to subject-verb-question word order, such as in on va où ? For a very formal tone, you can also use Quelle est notre destination?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form où allons-nous ? is a formal way to ask the question. In casual, spoken French, you should use informal options like On va où? or Où est-ce qu'on va? The phrase où est-ce que nous allons ? serves as a standard version that is less formal than inversion but more structured than casual speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the regional variation Où est-ce qu'on s'en va? is used to ask "where are we going?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form où allons-nous ? uses inversion, which means switching the verb and the subject pronoun, to form a formal question.
Did you know?
- The French word où descends from the Latin ubi, which also gave rise to the English word 'ubiquity'.
- While où allons-nous ? is grammatically correct, using inversion in a casual setting can make a speaker sound like a character from a 19th-century novel.
- The phrase où est-ce que literally translates to 'where is it that', turning a simple question into a complex clause.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, où allons-nous pour l'événement de ce soir?Excuse me, where are we going for this evening's event?
- On va où maintenant?Where are we going now?
- Dites-moi, où allons-nous ?Tell me, where are we going?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are getting into a car.
- HugoOù allons-nous ?Where are we going?
- ManonNous allons au restaurant.We are going to the restaurant.
- HugoC'est une bonne idée.That is a good idea.
- ManonJe sais que tu vas aimer.I know you will like it.
