AnneC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

On ne peut pas stationner ici

I have a question for a team member. The above sentence can translate as 1 One can’t park here (impersonal, general) 2 You can’t park here (also impersonal and general but less formal) or 3 We can’t park here (personal, specific)

In English, the general sense of the first two is similar but the meaning of the third differs. Is that true in French as well, or are the various senses of "on" closer? Presumably it’s clear from context which one is meant.

This question relates to:French lesson "On can mean either we/one/people (French Subject Pronouns)"

Asked 3 months ago

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CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Anne,

You are correct that, in French, all 3 sentences would be translated by "On ne peut pas stationner ici" as well as the underlying meanings too. However, as you also explained, context is key!

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Like03 months ago

Anne asked:View original

On ne peut pas stationner ici

I have a question for a team member. The above sentence can translate as 1 One can’t park here (impersonal, general) 2 You can’t park here (also impersonal and general but less formal) or 3 We can’t park here (personal, specific)

In English, the general sense of the first two is similar but the meaning of the third differs. Is that true in French as well, or are the various senses of "on" closer? Presumably it’s clear from context which one is meant.

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