French Phrase
On a aussi du tabac, des chocolats et de l'électronique.
Meaning
This phrase is used to list additional items or products that are available. 'On a' means 'we have' (informal), 'aussi' means 'also', and the rest lists various goods. It's a common way to inform someone about the range of products offered.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in a retail setting, such as a convenience store, a duty-free shop, or a general store, to inform a customer about other items available for purchase. It's suitable for casual conversations when describing what's on offer.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onaaussidutabac,deschocolatsetde l'électronique.
On a
'On a' is the informal way to say 'we have' in French. 'On' is an indefinite pronoun that can mean 'one', 'we', 'they', or 'people in general'. In spoken French, it's very frequently used instead of 'nous' for 'we'.
Aussi
'Aussi' means 'also' or 'too'. It's placed after the verb in simple tenses, as seen here with 'on a aussi'.
Du, Des, De l' (Partitive Articles)
These are partitive articles, used to express an unspecified quantity of something. 'Du' is for masculine singular nouns (du tabac), 'des' for plural nouns (des chocolats), and 'de l'' for singular nouns starting with a vowel or silent 'h' (de l'électronique).
Et
'Et' means 'and'. It's used to connect items in a list, similar to English.
🗨In Conversation
Vous avez des magazines ici?
Do you have magazines here?
Oui, et on a aussi du tabac, des chocolats et de l'électronique.
Yes, and we also have tobacco, chocolates, and electronics.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous avons aussi le tabac, les chocolats et l'électronique.
Using definite articles (le, les, l') implies specific, known items. When referring to general, unspecified quantities of items, partitive articles (du, des, de l') are required.
On a aussi tabac, chocolats et électronique.
In French, nouns referring to general, unspecified quantities of things usually require an article. Omitting the partitive articles (du, des, de l') is incorrect in this context.
On a aussi du tabac, des chocolats et l'électronique.
Even though 'électronique' starts with a vowel, it still requires the partitive article 'de l'' when referring to an unspecified quantity of electronics, not the definite article 'l''.
↔Alternatives
Nous avons également du tabac, des chocolats et de l'électronique.
We also have tobacco, chocolates, and electronics. (More formal)
Il y a aussi du tabac, des chocolats et de l'électronique.
There is also tobacco, chocolates, and electronics. (Impersonal)
On vend aussi du tabac, des chocolats et de l'électronique.
We also sell tobacco, chocolates, and electronics.
Cultural Tip
The use of 'on' instead of 'nous' for 'we' is very common in spoken French and informal contexts. While 'nous' is grammatically correct, 'on' is often preferred in everyday conversation. Also, 'tabac' (tobacco shop) in France often sells not only tobacco products but also newspapers, stamps, and sometimes even chocolates or small electronics, making this phrase quite fitting for such establishments.