🇫🇷 How to say

“to take” in French

prendre
Illustration of "to take" in a French cultural setting
A person reaches out their hand to take a croissant from a bakery counter, ready to enjoy it with a morning coffee.

Usage note

You use 'prendre' for physically taking something and also for consuming food or drink, much like 'to have' in English for meals. It's a very common verb for daily actions.

Examples

  • Je prends le bus à huit heures.

    I take the bus at eight o'clock.

  • Nous prenons le petit déjeuner.

    We are having breakfast.

  • Il prend un café.

    He is having a coffee.

Quick check

What does "prendre" mean?

  • A. to take
  • B. to have
  • C. to work
  • D. to play

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