French Phrase
Et si on faisait un compromis ?
Meaning
This phrase proposes a compromise, inviting the other person to consider a middle‑ground solution. It’s a polite, low‑pressure way to suggest that both parties meet halfway.
When to use
Use it during negotiations, disagreements, or any situation where you want to smooth over a conflict and find a mutually acceptable solution. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Etsionfaisaituncompromis?
Et si + conditionnel
The structure "Et si" followed by a verb in the imperfect (or conditional) introduces a hypothetical suggestion, similar to "What if..." in English.
on (impersonal pronoun)
"on" is the informal French equivalent of "we" or "one", often used in spoken language to propose an action that includes the speaker and listener.
Imparfait du verbe faire
"faisait" is the third‑person singular imperfect of "faire"; after "et si" it conveys a tentative, polite suggestion rather than a past action.
🗨In Conversation
Et si on faisait un compromis ?
What if we made a compromise?
D’accord, je suis prêt à réduire mon prix de 10 %.
Okay, I’m willing to lower my price by 10%.
✕Common Mistakes
Et si on faisons un compromis ?
Using the present "faisons" sounds too direct; the imperfect "faisait" after "Et si" keeps the suggestion tentative.
Et si on faisait compromis ?
Dropping the article makes the phrase sound incomplete; French requires the article before "compromis".
Et si on ferait un compromis ?
While grammatically correct, "ferait" (conditional) is less common in spoken French for this polite suggestion; the imperfect "faisait" is the idiomatic choice.
↔Alternatives
Et si on trouvait un compromis ?
What if we found a compromise?
Que diriez‑vous d’un compromis ?
How about a compromise?
Pourquoi ne pas faire un compromis ?
Why not make a compromise?
Cultural Tip
In French conversation, proposing a solution with "Et si…" sounds collaborative and non‑confrontational. It’s softer than directly saying "Nous devons…" and shows respect for the other party’s opinion. In professional settings, you may also hear the more formal "Serait‑il possible de…" but "Et si on…" works well in everyday negotiations.