Learn Hardcore French: On s’assoit près de la fenêtre.

In everyday French, on usually means we. It always takes a third‑person singular verb (like il/elle), so you get on s’assoit (not “on nous assoyons”). In more formal writing or when you want to be crystal clear, you can use nous: nous nous asseyons. Note on agreement in the past and with adjectives: with on, many speakers write agreement to match the real people involved, e.g., On s’est assis (neutral/default) vs On s’est assises (if the group is all women). The verb form stays third‑person singular either way.

Why is the verb reflexive (s’) in s’assoit?

Because s’asseoir is a pronominal verb that means “to sit down” (the subject performs the action on themself). Without se, asseoir is mostly used transitively or figuratively: asseoir quelqu’un = “to seat someone,” and very commonly asseoir son autorité = “to establish/consolidate one’s authority.” To describe the state of being seated, French uses être assis/assise: On est assis = “We are (in a seated state).”

Is s’assoit correct? I’ve also seen s’assied. Which should I use?