Prendre: to take, to pick up, to seize
Prendre is a general verb meaning "to take" in various contexts: taking an object, a mode of transport, a portion, or even an action.
Uses of prendre
- Taking or grabbing something
- Ordering or consuming food or drink
- Using transportation (prendre le bus)
- Taking time (prendre son temps)
- Starting an action (prendre un médicament)
Examples
- Je prends un café. → I’m having a coffee.
- Il prend le train à 8 heures. → He takes the train at 8 o’clock.
- Nous prenons des photos. → We’re taking pictures.
Apporter: to bring (something to someone or somewhere)
Apporter means "to bring" something to a person or place. It always implies movement toward a destination.
Uses of apporter
- Bringing a tangible object
- Usually involves a specific destination or recipient
Examples
- Peux-tu apporter ton livre? → Can you bring your book?
- Elle apporte des fleurs à sa mère. → She’s bringing flowers to her mother.
- Nous apportons le dessert à la fête. → We’re bringing dessert to the party.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Prendre | Apporter |
|---|---|---|
| General Meaning | To take, to pick up, to seize | To bring (something to someone or somewhere) |
| Direction | Usually from a place or source | Toward a person or destination |
| Object Type | Can be abstract or concrete | Always a concrete object |
| Usage Context | More general and versatile | More specific and directional |
Tips to Remember
- Use prendre when talking about taking, using, or consuming something—especially if you’re talking about the origin or source.
- Use apporter when someone is carrying or bringing something to a place or person.
- If you need to say "bring me..." in French, you’ll use apporter (e.g., Apporte-moi un verre d’eau).
Summary
Prendre = to take (from somewhere, more general)
Apporter = to bring (toward somewhere or someone)
Purpose and direction are key to choosing the right one.
Complete the French sentence using 'prendre': She is taking medicine. → Elle ... un médicament.
prend
'Prendre' is used when starting or consuming medicine.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
