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On is a very versatile pronoun, which allows the speaker to be all inclusive without having to implicate him or herself. In English we express this notion through a variety of pronouns or the passive voice, depending on the context:
| We speak English here. |
| People speak English here. |
| You speak (i.e., are supposed to) English here. |
| English spoken here. |
All these phrases can be rendered into the same Ici on parle anglais. The larger context will clarify the meaning. In some cases, on can also be used instead of "I."
| Comment trouve-t-on un taxi? |
| How does one (i.e., do I) find a taxi? |
In casual speech, on is also used to talk about the group.
| Qu’est-ce qu’on fait ce soir? |
| What are we going to do tonight? |
Note that regardless of how we might want to render on into English, in French it always requires the verb to be in the third person singular:
| Ici on parle anglais. |
| English spoken here. |
| À Paris on attend avec impatience l’arrivée du Beaujolais Nouveau. |
| In Paris people are impatiently awaiting the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau. |
| Eh, Jean-Jacques! |
Hey, Jean-Jacques! |
| On part? |
Are we leaving? |
| Excusez-moi. |
Excuse me. |
| Est-ce qu’on peut fumer ici? |
Can I smoke here? |
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