Indefinite Pronoun on | Meaning, Usage, and Example Sentences

The French indefinite pronoun on is extremely common in both spoken and written French. Because it does not translate directly into English, its meaning shifts depending on the context: it can mean “people,” “we,” or “someone.”

In everyday conversation, on is frequently used to mean “we,” and it often replaces nous in casual speech.

In this lesson, I will explain the basic meanings and uses of on, along with important points to remember.

1. Basic Uses of on

1-1. Referring to people in general

On is used when stating general truths or social facts. It corresponds to the English “one/people.”

Here, on refers to “people in general” without including the speaker or listener.

1-2. Referring to an unspecified person

On is used when the subject is unknown or deliberately left unspecified. This usage is close to English someone.

1-3. Meaning “we”

In everyday French, on often means “we.” In fact, in spoken French, on is far more common than nous.

n this case, on refers to “you and me” (a complete “we”) and is used in friendly, informal contexts.

2. on Always Takes Third-Person Singular Verbs

Even when on means “we,” it is grammatically treated as third-person singular. Therefore, the verb form must always agree with the third-person singular.

In both cases, the verbs (parle / va) are in the third-person singular.

3. Possessive Adjectives: notre / nos

When on means “we,” the possessive adjectives used are the same as for the first-person plural (notre / nos).

Thus, on is grammatically a “hybrid”: verbs are third-person singular, but possessives are first-person plural.

4. Difference Between on and nous

Both on and nous mean “we,” but they differ in usage.

In written or formal contexts, nous is preferred. In everyday conversation, however, on is more natural. In short, nous is formal, while on is colloquial.

5. Summary

泉（Izumi）

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