On we or Un one

MteteA0Kwiziq community member

On we or Un one

What I want to say is when we are ask 

One mustn't talk back to one's parents.

On ne doit pas répondre à ses parents.  

Your answer is  " On " that is what I don't understand to me the question does not say We mustn't talk back to one's parents. so the answer  should be "Un" if not why ?

Asked 4 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

On can be both: "we" (mostly used in familiar contexts) and "one" (impersonal we).

"Un" doesn't work in French. You can't translate the English "one" literally.

ToddA1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

To add to Chris's answer:

Un means one when referring to number or quantity. e.g. Un de mes parents n'aime pas les pommes. (One of my parents doesn't like apples.); Je n'ai qu'un stylo. (I only have one pen.)

On can mean one in the sense that you're using it; it can also mean the rather informal we (in place of nous), as well they or you used in general, and not referring to specific people or groups.

Hope this is helpful.

On we or Un one

What I want to say is when we are ask 

One mustn't talk back to one's parents.

On ne doit pas répondre à ses parents.  

Your answer is  " On " that is what I don't understand to me the question does not say We mustn't talk back to one's parents. so the answer  should be "Un" if not why ?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...