On y va

On y va
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Informal French Expression

MeaningShould we go? Wanna go? Let’s go!
LiterallyWe’re going (there)
Registerinformal
PronunciationFrench sound files [o(n) nee va]
IPA  [ɔ̃ ni va]

Usage notes: You can use the informal French expression on y va to talk about something that might / will happen, such as when you want to

1) Suggest an activity

Il y a un nouveau cafĂ© en ville, on y va ? There’s a new cafĂ© in town, wanna go?

Synonymous expressions

  • Ça te dit ? – Interested?
  • Est-ce que tu veux y aller ? – Do you want to go?
  • On peut y aller si tu veux. – We can go if you like.

2) Ask if others are ready to leave

OK, je suis prĂȘt, on y va ? OK, I’m ready, shall we go?

Synonymous expressions

3) Signal that it’s time to go

J’ai enfin trouvĂ© mes clĂ©s. On y va ! I finally found my keys. Let’s go!

4) Announce the beginning of an activity

On a un peu de temps, on y va. We have a bit of time, let’s get started, let’s go.

Synonymous expressions (3 and 4)

  • Allons-y
  • C’est parti

 Related lessons

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On y va

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2 Responses

  1. Johnny 1 April 2017 / 0:49

    You say this is Informal. What is the formal version?

    • lkl 2 April 2017 / 11:23
      • Voulez-vous y aller ?
      • Êtes-vous prĂȘt ?
      • Je suis prĂȘt / Nous pouvons partir.
      • Nous pouvons commencer.