franchissons

Franchissons is a form of the French verb franchir, meaning to cross or pass. In standard usage, it represents the first-person plural present indicative: nous franchissons, translated as “we cross” or “we are crossing.” The same spelling can also function as an inclusive imperative, an exhortation meaning “let us cross” or “let us pass,” often used to rally a group to undertake a shared action (for example, Franchissons cet obstacle).

Grammatical notes. Franchissons is formed from the stem franchiss- plus the typical -ons ending of the -ir verb group in the nous form. The form is regular for present tense conjugation and can appear in both literal contexts (crossing a bridge or a boundary) and figurative contexts (overcoming a barrier, making progress). The phrase may be used in written or spoken French, ranging from everyday conversation to political or motivational rhetoric.

Related forms include franchirr, the infinitive; franchissement, a noun meaning crossing, passage, or breakthrough; and franchissable, an adjective meaning passable or easily crossed. The participle present is franchissant, and the past participle is franchi.

Usage considerations. While primarily a grammatical form, franchissons can function as a direct exhortation in inclusive contexts, carrying a sense of collective action. It is not a distinct term with a specialized definition beyond its role as a conjugated form of franchir, but it appears in texts and speeches wherever the idea of crossing or overcoming is foregrounded.

See also. Franchir; franchissement; franchissable.