prendre
take
The French word for 'take' is 'prendre'. It is widely used and versatile in French dialogues and texts. 'Prendre' is often used in the same contexts as the word 'take' in English. However, the meaning of 'prendre' sometimes changes based on the preposition that follows it. It also forms the base of many French phrases and idiomatic expressions.
Example sentences using: prendre
Je vais prendre un café s'il vous plaît.
I am going to have a coffee please.
This usage of 'prendre' signifies to take something in the sense of consuming. Just like in English, saying 'I take a coffee' is a common way to order at a cafe in French.
Elle aime prendre des photos avec son appareil photo.
She likes taking photos with her camera.
In this context, 'prendre' is translated as 'taking'. It can be associated with capturing something, such as a picture or a photograph.
Il faut prendre le temps d'apprécier les petites choses de la vie.
One must take the time to appreciate the little things in life.
Here, 'prendre' suggests taking time, which implies setting time aside or making time for something. It's an idiomatic phrase used in both French and English.
Je dois prendre le bus pour aller à l'école.
I need to take the bus to go to school.
In this sentence, 'prendre' is used to indicate taking transportation, in this case, a bus. It's equivalent to the English 'take'.
Ils vont prendre un bain après le dîner.
They are going to have a bath after dinner.
In this context, 'prendre' means 'have' in English. It's a French phrase for taking or having a bath.
Peux-tu prendre les enfants de l'école aujourd'hui?
Can you pick the children up from school today?
In this instance, 'prendre' means 'to pick up'. Even though it literally means 'to take', in context it refers to picking someone up from a location.
Nous devons prendre une décision maintenant.
We need to make a decision now.
'Prendre une décision' is a common way to say 'make a decision' in French. It directly translates to 'take a decision' but in context it's understood as 'making a decision'.
Je ne peux pas prendre cette douleur plus longtemps.
I can't take this pain any longer.
Here, 'prendre' signifies enduring or bearing something, in this case, pain. This is an idiomatic phrase commonly used in both French and English.
Il va prendre sa retraite l'année prochaine.
He is going to retire next year.
'Prendre sa retraite' is a way of saying 'to retire' in French. The literal translation means 'taking one’s retirement' but it's used as the standard phrase for retiring from work.
Tu devrais prendre les escaliers pour faire de l'exercice.
You should take the stairs to get some exercise.
In this instance, 'prendre' is used in the sense of choosing or using. It suggests that the person should choose the stairs for exercise instead of another method, like an elevator.