Difference between "On y va!" and "Allons-y!"

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Difference between "On y va!" and "Allons-y!"

I answered "On y va!" and it was marked wrong. I wonder what the difference between "on y va" and "allons-y" really is... Thanks, -- Chris.
Asked 8 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Chris !

In terms of meaning, "on y va" and "allons-y" are used very similarly.
However, "on y va" is in Le Présent Indicatif, which means it's a simple, declarative sentence: "We're going". This sentence CAN be emphasised with an exclamation mark "On y va !" -> "We're going!", expressing excitement, and in some cases be translated as "Let's go!").
As for "Allons-y !", it is in L'Impératif Présent, which expresses commands and advice, and is the literal translation of "Let's go!".

Here, we were specifically expecting the use of L'Impératif. Thanks to your question, we've now added a hint to remove any anbiguity ;)

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !

Difference between "On y va!" and "Allons-y!"

I answered "On y va!" and it was marked wrong. I wonder what the difference between "on y va" and "allons-y" really is... Thanks, -- Chris.

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
Thinking...