French Phrase
On s'est régalés.
Meaning
Literally “We have delighted ourselves,” this idiomatic expression means that everyone enjoyed the food or the experience a lot. It conveys a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure after a meal, a party, or any enjoyable event.
When to use
Use it right after a shared meal, a banquet, a party, or any activity that everyone found delightful. It’s informal and works best in friendly conversation, not in formal writing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ons'estrégalés
On as “we”
In informal spoken French, “on” often replaces “nous” and takes singular verb forms, but the past participle still agrees with the logical subject.
Reflexive passé composé
The verb “se régaler” is reflexive, so it uses the auxiliary “être” in the passé composé; the past participle agrees with the subject.
Agreement of the past participle
Because the logical subject is plural (we), the past participle “régalé” takes an –s, becoming “régalés”.
Contraction s'
The reflexive pronoun “se” contracts to “s'” before a vowel‑initial verb form (est).
🗨In Conversation
Le dîner était vraiment excellent, vous avez aimé ?
The dinner was really excellent, did you enjoy it?
Oui, on s'est régalés !
Yes, we really enjoyed it!
✕Common Mistakes
On se est régalés.
The reflexive pronoun contracts to s' before a vowel; saying “On se est régalés” is incorrect.
On s'est régale.
The past participle must agree with the plural subject; “régale” is singular.
Nous s'est régalés.
In informal speech French speakers use “on” rather than “nous”; using “nous” changes the tone.
↔Alternatives
On a bien mangé.
We ate well.
C'était un régal.
It was a treat.
Nous avons passé un excellent moment.
We had an excellent time.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, praising a host by saying you “vous êtes régalé(e)(s)” or “on s'est régalé(s)” is a polite way to show appreciation. The phrase is casual; in a very formal setting you might opt for “Le repas était délicieux”. Also note that “on” is used by all ages in spoken French, even when the speaker means “we”.