Learn Hardcore French: On se rejoint au carrefour pour aller au cinéma ensemble. - We’ll meet at the intersection to go to the movies together.

It means “we meet” or “we’re meeting up.” Although on literally translates as “one,” in everyday French it is used to represent “we,” making the expression more conversational. The reflexive form se rejoint emphasizes that everyone is joining together.

Why is the pronoun on used instead of nous?

In informal French, on is commonly used in place of nous. It simplifies conjugation and sounds more natural in speech. Even though on can mean “one” in a general sense, here it clearly represents “we.”

What is the function of the reflexive pronoun se in se rejoint?

The reflexive pronoun se indicates that the verb rejoindre is used reflexively or reciprocally. This means that the action of meeting or joining is performed among the group members themselves, emphasizing that they are coming together mutually.

What does au carrefour mean, and why is au used?

Au carrefour translates to “at the intersection” or “at the crossroads.” The word au is a contraction of à le, meaning “at the.” It sets the location where the meeting takes place.

How does the phrase pour aller au cinéma ensemble function in the sentence?

This phrase explains the purpose of the meeting. The word pour introduces an infinitive verb, aller, meaning “to go.” Together with au cinéma, which means “to the cinema,” and the adverb ensemble, meaning “together,” it clearly states why the participants are gathering.

Why is the purpose expressed using an infinitive form (i.e., pour aller) instead of a fully conjugated clause?

In French, it is standard to use pour followed by an infinitive verb to express purpose. This construction is concise and directly communicates intent—for example, “to go to the cinema” in this case—similar to the English structure “in order to” or simply “to.”