"Nous" means we in English. "On" also means we (it can also mean they).

"On" is conversational and "nous" is formal. "On" is more common, so it is important to know.

It is important to know the difference between "on" and "nous" because when you conjugate a verb, "on" and "nous" are conjugated differently. Verbs used with "on" are conjugated like verbs used with "il," "elle," and singular names. For instance, let's use the verb "manger" (to eat). je mange tu manges il/elle/on mange nous mangeons vous mangez ils/elles mangent As you can see, "manger" is conjugated differently with "on" than it is with "nous."

Hi Stanley,

I see you speak English, so it basically is the same nuance as you could get between 'we' and 'one'. But 'on' in French is more general and is used a lot where English would use the passive voice.

« On raconte que les géants mangent les petits enfants » -> 'It is told than giants eat small children'

Also, 'on' can replace 'nous' to make the statement more casual.