French · Everyday Verbs
"to take" in French: prendre
prendre
To take in French is prendre. Say je prends and tu prends. Use prendre le métro, prendre un café, and J'ai pris for the past.
Café order
Je prends un espresso.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce prendre
Say it
PRAHN-druh
/pʁɑ̃dʁ/
PRAHN-druh. Nasal an; soft final druh.
"to take" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| prendre | to take Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| je prends / tu prends | I take / you take Present. | Present. |
| prendre le métro | to take the metro Transport. | Transport. |
| j'ai pris | I took Past. | Past. |
How to use prendre in real life
- 1Café order
Je prends un espresso.
I'll take an espresso.
Je prends.
- 2Leaving home
Tu prends tes clés ?
Are you taking your keys?
Tu prends.
- 3After the trip
J'ai pris le train de 7 heures.
I took the 7 o'clock train.
J'ai pris.
Mistakes English speakers make with prendre
Incorrect: Je prendre un taxi.
Correct: Je prends un taxi.
Conjugate: je prends.
Incorrect: J'ai prend le bus.
Correct: J'ai pris le bus.
Past participle is pris.
Good to know
Prendre covers grab, choose, and ride: prendre un verre, prendre la sortie. Bring is apporter/amener—different verbs. Photo of food? On prend une photo.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Ordering at a counter
ChatPal
Tu prends quoi ?
What are you having?
You
Je prends un thé vert.
I'll take a green tea.
ChatPal
Moi, je prends un croissant.
I'll take a croissant.
You
Parfait, je paie.
Perfect, I'll pay.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to take" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to take" in French
How do you say to take?
Prendre.
How do I say I take / I'll have?
Je prends…
What is the past form?
J'ai pris.
How do you pronounce prendre?
PRAHN-druh.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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- Ordering Food in French: Essential Phrases for 2026Ordering food in french - Learn how to confidently order food in French with real-life phrases and tips for 2026 travelers
- 10 Best French Speaking Practice Apps for 2026Find the best French speaking practice app to build fluency. We review 10 top tools like ChatPal for conversation, travel prep, and building confidence in 2026.
