Why You Should Never Say "Nous" in Spoken French

If you’re learning French, you’ve likely been taught that nous means “we” and is a key part of forming sentences in the first-person plural. It’s perfectly fine in written French, and you’ll see it everywhere—from textbooks to novels. But here’s the thing: if you use nous in everyday spoken French, you’ll sound a bit… well, out of place.

Why? Because native French speakers almost never use nous in conversation. Instead, they have a much more natural alternative that’s quicker and easier to say. Let’s dive into why you should avoid nous in spoken French, what to use instead, and how this small change can make you sound way more fluent!

Why Do French Speakers Avoid "Nous"?

The answer is simple: nous feels formal, stiff, and even outdated in spoken French. While it’s a grammatical cornerstone in written French, everyday conversations are much more casual. Saying nous can come across as overly proper, almost like you’re reading straight out of a textbook.

Instead, French speakers overwhelmingly prefer to use on, which also means “we” but is less formal and flows naturally in spoken language.

For example:

• Textbook French: Nous allons au cinéma. (We’re going to the movies.)
• Spoken French: On va au cinéma. (We’re going to the movies.)

Using on instead of nous makes you sound like you’ve really mastered conversational French.

The Magic of "On"

In French, on is a versatile pronoun that can mean “we,” “one,” or even “people” in general. Its flexibility and simplicity make it the go-to choice in casual conversation.

Here’s another example:

• Formal: Nous sommes prêts. (We are ready.)
• Casual: On est prêts. (We’re ready.)

Notice how the verb conjugation changes too. When you use on, the verb conjugates like it would for il/elle. So instead of sommes for nous, you use est for on. It’s less effort to say and still gets the point across perfectly.

Does "Nous" Ever Have a Place?

Absolutely! While nous might not shine in everyday spoken French, it still has its place:

1. In formal settings: If you’re writing a business email, giving a speech, or participating in a formal event, nous is appropriate. It conveys professionalism and respect.
2. In written French: Essays, news articles, and literature rely on nous for clarity and formality.
3. In specific expressions: Some fixed expressions still use nous. For instance, Nous vous remercions (We thank you) is common in polite correspondence.

But when it comes to chatting with friends, ordering at a café, or asking for directions, stick to on.

How to Make the Switch from "Nous" to "On"

Transitioning from nous to on might take some practice, but it’s worth it to sound more natural. Here are some tips:

1. Practice with examples. Take sentences you’ve learned with nous and replace it with on.
   • Nous allons au marché → On va au marché.
   • Nous parlons anglais → On parle anglais.
2. Listen to native speakers. Watch French movies, listen to podcasts, or chat with native speakers. Notice how often they use on instead of nous.
3. Focus on fluency. Don’t overthink grammar rules when speaking. The goal is to communicate naturally, and using on helps you achieve that.

Level Up Your Spoken French

Making this small shift from nous to on is a game-changer for sounding fluent. It’s one of those “aha!” moments in language learning when you realize that what’s in the textbook isn’t always how people speak in real life.

So, the next time you’re practicing French, swap out nous for on and see how much smoother your sentences sound. It’s a simple change, but it makes a huge difference in how native you’ll feel.