What does prendre in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word prendre in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use prendre in French.

The word prendre in French means take, take, take, catch, take, take, take, take down, write down, take, take, get, receive, put on, put on, see, mistake for, set, get caught in , get caught up in, bang into , bash into, get, take yourself for, believe yourself to be, start to do , start doing, lash out at, take, set, work, go via, ask, take, accept, take, lead, take, capture, take, take, have, take off, take for, catch doing, take on, take on at, come over, yet to be confirmed, to be taken orally, all things considered, Do you, …, take this man to be your (lawfully wedded) husband?, grab by the scruff of the neck, take well, do well, worth taking, take it or leave it, take things easy, take it easy, learn from , learn something from, head there, be heading that way, be wowed, be hauled over the coals, suffer a blow, age overnight, be damaged, should be treated cautiously, not to be sniffed at, be looking for love, get to see , make see, Stop treating everyone like an idiot, Stop looking down on everyone, take badly, go about the wrong way, tread carefully around, not take any risks, not take a position, not take for a fool, be as young as ever, don't worry too much about , don't bother too much about, not worry too much about , not bother too much about, take the stairs, come pick up, lease, get to grips with, take to heart, wrong-foot, wrong-foot, take the right, catch doing , catch in the act of doing, take the left, board, capture, seize, take on on a trial basis, take on for a trial period, grab by the throat, have by the throat, choke, asphyxiate, take lightly, take aside, take to task, attack from the rear, pay for yourself, pay for your own, take on the responsibility for, play at his own game, call as a witness, take cognizance of, put weight on , transfer your weight to, lean on, grab by the scruff of the neck, take by surprise, lasso, take at his/her word, take 's word for it, take at face value, entrap, take literally, catch at the crack of dawn, not take literally, not take at face value, take seriously, take seriously, take yourself seriously, take yourself too seriously, make a tragedy out of, be gut-wrenching, grin and bear it, note carefully, take careful note of , take good note of, take flesh, get fat, take each day as it comes, take each day as it comes, pay dearly, charge the earth, take hostage, take confidence, take your leave, take your leave of , take leave of, read carefully, become aware of, take advice from, contact, take shape, take by storm, take in your arms, develop good habits, catch off-guard, look down on, be getting on in years, be getting on, gain altitude, be on the rise, be on the increase, gain confidence, gain self-assurance. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word prendre

take

verbe transitif (saisir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
J'ai pris le livre qui traînait sur la table et l'ai mis sur l'étagère. Il prend toujours les bûches avec des gants.
He always takes hold of the logs wearing gloves.

take

verbe transitif (emporter avec soi)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
N'oublie pas de prendre tes papiers.
Don't forget to take your papers.

take

verbe transitif (dérober, subtiliser)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Notre concurrent nous a pris toutes nos bonnes idées !
Our competitor has taken all our good ideas!

catch

verbe transitif (attraper)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
J'ai pris une souris avec la tapette.
I caught a mouse with the mousetrap.

take

verbe transitif (utiliser : un moyen de transport)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Nous prenons l'avion pour aller au Brésil. Moi, je prends toujours l'escalier plutôt que l'ascenseur.
We're taking the plane to Brazil. I always take the stairs, rather than the lift.

take

verbe transitif (suivre : une route)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Prends la nationale, ça va plus vite. Prenez la deuxième rue à droite. Comment prendre un rond-point quand on est en vélo ?
How do you go round a roundabout on a bike?

take

verbe transitif (choisir, sélectionner)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Quels cours as-tu pris cette année ?
What courses did you take this year?

take down, write down

verbe transitif (noter, relever)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")
Peux-tu prendre les mesures de ton meuble et me les donner ? Prenez des notes parce que je ne vais pas le répéter deux fois.
Take notes because I'm not saying it twice.

take

verbe transitif (mesurer : une constante)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
L'infirmier prend la tension et le pouls de ce malade trois fois par jour.
The nurse takes the patient's blood pressure and pulse three times a day.

take

verbe transitif (nécessiter : du temps)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Cela nous prend deux heures pour aller à Paris.
It takes us two hours to get to Paris.

get, receive

verbe transitif (recevoir : un coup)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Il a encore pris une gifle par sa mère.
He got another slap from his mother.

put on, put on

verbe transitif (grossir)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")
J'ai pris 2 kilos pendant les fêtes.
I put on two kilos over Christmas.

see

verbe transitif (recevoir [qqn])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Le docteur me prend cet après-midi.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I'm quite busy tomorrow, but I think I can fit you in at 3 o'clock.

mistake for

(confondre [qqn])

Excusez-moi, je vous ai pris pour une de mes connaissances.
I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone I knew.

set

verbe intransitif (se figer)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Ma mayonnaise n'a pas pris, elle est retombée.
My mayonnaise didn't set; it's collapsed.

get caught in , get caught up in

(se coincer, s'accrocher)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
En allant récupérer le ballon dans les buissons, mes cheveux se sont pris dans les branches.
When I went to retrieve the ball from the bushes, my hair got caught in the branches.

bang into , bash into

verbe pronominal (familier (se cogner contre) (through your movement)

Je me suis pris un poteau en faisant du skate. Sur les images, on voit un singe qui se prend une noix de coco sur la tête en passant sous un cocotier.
In the images, you can see a monkey get hit on the head by a coconut as he goes under a palm tree.

get

verbe pronominal (familier (recevoir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Julien s'est pris une mauvaise note à son examen. Je me suis encore pris un PV en allant au boulot.
Julian got a bad mark in his exam. I got another speeding ticket on my way to work.

take yourself for, believe yourself to be

(se croire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Depuis sa promotion, il se prend pour un expert qu'il n'est pas.
Since his promotion, he's been taking himself for an expert and he definitely isn't.

start to do , start doing

verbe pronominal (se mettre à)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Arthur se prend rarement à ranger sa chambre sans qu'on le lui demande.
Arthur rarely sets about tidying his room without being asked to do so.

lash out at

(attaquer, prendre pour responsable) (criticize: figurative)

L'usager s'en est pris à la guichetière qui n'y était pourtant pour rien.
The passenger took his frustration (or: anger) out on the ticket seller, even though she had nothing to do with it.

take

verbe intransitif (feu : brûler)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Le feu n'a pas pris, tu devrais le relancer.
The fire hasn't taken; you're going to have to try again.

set

verbe intransitif (être à point)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
N'y touche pas, le plâtre n'a pas encore pris !
Don't touch that; the plaster hasn't set yet!

work

verbe intransitif (fonctionner)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Ce petit jeu ne prend pas avec lui. La chaîne avait fait plein de promo pour son nouveau jeu, mais ça n'a pas pris et il a été arrêté au bout d'un mois seulement.
That little game won't work with him. The channel really pushed its new game, but it didn't work and it was pulled after just a month.

go via

(passer par quelque part)

Ils prennent toujours par la forêt.
They always go via the forest.

ask

verbe transitif (demander : de l'argent)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Ce commerçant ne nous prend pas trop cher pour ça.
This shopkeeper isn't asking too much for that.

take, accept

verbe transitif (accepter)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Cette école ne prend que les meilleurs élèves. Est-ce que vous prenez la carte bancaire ?
That school only takes the best pupils. Do you accept cards?

take, lead

verbe transitif (transporter)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Elle a pris les enfants jusqu'à l'école.
She took the children to school.

take, capture

verbe transitif (se rendre maître)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Les soldats ont pris la ville.
The soldiers took the town.

take

verbe transitif (accepter, interpréter)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
J'ai dit à mon copain qu'il était un peu gros et il l'a très mal pris. Prends tout ce qu'il dit avec humour.
I told my boyfriend that he's a bit fat and he took it really badly. Take everything he says with a bit of humour.

take

verbe transitif (posséder sexuellement) (sex)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Oh oui, Brian, prends-moi, tout de suite, maintenant !
Oh yes, Brian. Take me; take me now!

have

verbe transitif (consommer, manger) (food)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Au petit déjeuner, je prends des céréales et des fruits. Moi, je vais prendre les lasagnes, s'il vous plaît.
I have cereal and fruit for breakfast. I'll have the lasagna, please.

take off

verbe transitif (poser : un congé)

Je ne mangerai avec vous ce midi parce que j'ai pris mon après-midi. Ma collègue ne sera pas là demain parce qu'elle a pris son jeudi.
I won't have lunch with you today, as I've taken the afternoon off. My colleague won't be here tomorrow, as she's taken Thursday off.

take for

verbe transitif (considérer [qqn] comme [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Vincent prend Sophie pour une bonne poire. J'en ai marre que les gens me prennent pour une folle.

catch doing

verbe transitif (surprendre [qqn] sur le fait)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le voisin nous a pris à lancer des cailloux sur son chien.

take on

verbe transitif (s'engager à jouer contre [qqn]) (opponent)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")
Jouez d'abord tous les deux, je prendrai le gagnant !

take on at

(familier (se mesurer à [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je te prends quand tu veux aux échecs !

come over

(émotion,... : submerger [qqn]) (emotion)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])
Je ne sais pas ce qui me prend mais je n'arrête pas de pleurer. Mais qu'est-ce qui t'a pris de frapper ce chien ?

yet to be confirmed

locution adjectivale (information... : pas confirmé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le joueur suédois devrait rejoindre le club français, mais c'est une information à prendre au conditionnel.

to be taken orally

locution adverbiale (à avaler)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce médicament est à prendre par voie orale.

all things considered

locution adverbiale (tout bien pesé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À tout prendre, je préfère encore cette solution.

Do you, …, take this man to be your (lawfully wedded) husband?

(formule de mariage)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Sophie, acceptez-vous de prendre Paul pour époux ?
Do you, Sophie, take this man (or: Paul) to be your lawfully wedded husband?

grab by the scruff of the neck

locution verbale (saisir [qqn] brutalement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take well

locution verbale (ne pas être fâché par [qch])

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. She took the news of her dismissal surprisingly well.

do well

locution verbale (faire correctement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il s'y prend bien pour un débutant !
He's not bad at that for a beginner!

worth taking

locution adjectivale (intéressant, appréciable)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Cette occasion est bonne à prendre.

take it or leave it

(Ce n'est pas négociable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
C'est à prendre ou à laisser, je ne marchanderai pas.

take things easy, take it easy

locution verbale (péjoratif (ne pas se gêner avec [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Julie trouve que la nouvelle arrivée en prend un peu trop à son aise avec ses collègues.

learn from , learn something from

locution verbale (familier (apprendre de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

head there

locution verbale (se diriger vers [qch])

Nous ne sommes pas encore partis pour Strasbourg, mais nous allons en prendre le chemin.

be heading that way

locution verbale (figuré (sembler devoir finir comme ça) (figurative, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce n'est pas encore une révolte, mais ça en prend le chemin.

be wowed

locution verbale (familier (être très impressionné visuellement) (informal)

Nous en avons pris plein les mirettes lors du feu d'artifice du 14 juillet.

be hauled over the coals

locution verbale (familier (être sévèrement réprimandé) (figurative, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

suffer a blow

locution verbale (être étonné, abattu) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Lionel en a pris un coup lorsqu'il a su qu'il n'était pas sélectionné.

age overnight

locution verbale (prendre un coup de vieux) (figurative)

Quand il a vu « vétéran » inscrit sur sa licence, Raphaël en a pris un coup !

be damaged

locution verbale (être endommagé)

Avec ce scandale, la réputation de l'homme d'affaires en a pris un coup.

should be treated cautiously

locution verbale (à prendre avec recul)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ces informations ne sont pas confirmées et sont à prendre avec des pincettes.

not to be sniffed at

locution verbale (être déjà appréciable) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce n'est pas ce que j'espérais mais c'est toujours bon à prendre.
It's not what I was hoping for, but it's better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.

be looking for love

locution verbale (figuré (être célibataire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je crois que la nouvelle secrétaire est encore un cœur à prendre.

get to see , make see

locution verbale (ouvrir les yeux à [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Stop treating everyone like an idiot, Stop looking down on everyone

(familier (il ne faut pas sous-estimer les gens)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

take badly

locution verbale (être vexé par [qch])

go about the wrong way

locution verbale (ne pas faire correctement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Tu t'y prends mal, laisse-moi te montrer.

tread carefully around

locution verbale (être de mauvaise humeur)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ton frère s'est disputé avec sa petite amie, il n'est pas à prendre avec des pincettes.
Your brother's had an argument with his girlfriend; tread carefully around him.

not take any risks

locution verbale (jouer la sécurité)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not take a position

locution verbale (rester neutre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not take for a fool

locution verbale (Can (ne pas prendre [qqn] pour un idiot)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be as young as ever

locution verbale (sembler ne pas vieillir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
I haven't seen you in years, you don't look a day older.

don't worry too much about , don't bother too much about

locution verbale (familier (faire au plus simple)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not worry too much about , not bother too much about

locution verbale (familier (faire au plus simple)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take the stairs

locution verbale (ne pas emprunter les ascenseurs)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

come pick up

locution verbale (aller chercher [qqn])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Come pick me up at 7 sharp.

lease

locution verbale (louer [qch])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Il prit à bail un local pour son matériel.

get to grips with

verbe transitif (s'atteler à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le technicien prend cette réparation à bras-le-corps.

take to heart

locution verbale (s'investir émotionnellement dans [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

wrong-foot

locution verbale (figuré (faire l'inverse d'une attente)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Mon chef m'a pris contre-pied en annulant le projet.

wrong-foot

locution verbale (Sport : tromper de côté, surprendre)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Le tireur a pris le gardien à contre-pied.

take the right

locution verbale (tourner à droite)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

catch doing , catch in the act of doing

locution verbale (surprendre [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take the left

locution verbale (tourner à gauche)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

board, capture, seize

locution verbale (prendre un bateau d'assaut)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Des pirates prirent à l'abordage un cargo en pleine mer.

take on on a trial basis, take on for a trial period

locution verbale (employer [qqn] pour le tester)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ils me prennent à l'essai pour 6 mois.

grab by the throat

locution verbale (menacer [qqn] de l'étrangler) (physically)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le délinquant a pris sa victime à la gorge.

have by the throat

locution verbale (figuré (contraindre [qqn] par la force) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ses créanciers ont pris Julien à la gorge.

choke, asphyxiate

locution verbale (irriter la gorge) (smell, smoke)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Les pompiers ont mis leur masque car cette fumée les prenait à la gorge.

take lightly

verbe transitif (négliger)

Ce malaise cardiaque est sérieux, ne le prends pas à la légère, va voir un médecin.

take aside

verbe transitif (parler à [qqn] séparément)

L'enseignant a pris l'élève turbulent à part en fin de cours pour essayer de comprendre son attitude.

take to task

locution verbale (bousculer, chahuter [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Des lascars prirent à partie les élèves qui sortaient.

attack from the rear

locution verbale (attaquer par l'arrière) (military)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

pay for yourself, pay for your own

locution verbale (assumer les frais de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Durant la formation, l'employé devra prendre les repas à sa charge.

take on the responsibility for

locution verbale (se charger de gérer [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Pierre prend à son compte le nettoyage du garage.

play at his own game

locution verbale (se montrer plus malin que [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

call as a witness

locution verbale (demander à [qqn] de confirmer [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take cognizance of

(noter [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

put weight on , transfer your weight to

locution verbale (s'appuyer sur [qch/qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

lean on

locution verbale (figuré (se servir de [qch]) (figurative)

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. Many people use alcohol as a crutch to help them through stressful times.

grab by the scruff of the neck

verbe transitif (familier (attraper [qqn] au cou)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il le prit au collet et le flanqua dehors.

take by surprise

locution verbale (étonner [qqn], prendre [qqn] de court)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je ne peux pas te conduire à l'aéroport, tu me prends au dépourvu.

lasso

verbe transitif (attraper avec un lasso)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Les cow-boys prennent au lasso les vaches qui fuient.

take at his/her word

verbe transitif (mettre [qqn] au défi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ils le prirent au mot et l'inscrivirent au marathon avec eux.

take 's word for it

verbe transitif (accepter sans réfléchir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il le prit au mot de finir ce travail en trois jours.

take at face value

locution verbale (comprendre littéralement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

entrap

verbe transitif (piéger)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
La police prit au piège le malfrat.

take literally

locution verbale (appliquer littéralement)

C'est fatigant parce que mon collègue prend tout ce que je dis au premier degré alors que moi, je plaisante.

catch at the crack of dawn

locution verbale (aborder [qqn] avant son complet réveil)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not take literally, not take at face value

locution verbale (ne pas interpréter [qch] littéralement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take seriously

verbe transitif (ne pas négliger)

La police prend cette affaire au sérieux.
The police are taking this matter seriously.

take seriously

verbe transitif (prêter attention à [qqn])

Tu connais mon frère, il plaisante toujours, il ne faut pas le prendre au sérieux.
You know my brother he jokes around all the time; you shouldn't take him seriously.

take yourself seriously, take yourself too seriously

(péjoratif (être trop imbu de soi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cette comédienne se prend au sérieux.
This actress takes herself too seriously.

make a tragedy out of

verbe transitif (dramatiser [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il prenait cette histoire de valise au tragique.

be gut-wrenching

locution verbale (figuré (émouvoir, bouleverser)

Les films de ce réalisateur vous prennent souvent aux tripes.
This director's films are often gut-wrenching.

grin and bear it

verbe transitif (ne pas être affecté par [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

note carefully

locution verbale (faire en sorte de se rappeler [qch])

take careful note of , take good note of

locution verbale (prendre [qch] en compte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take flesh

locution verbale (figuré (s'incarner, se réaliser) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

get fat

locution verbale (vieux (s'engraisser)

take each day as it comes

locution verbale (apprécier chaque jour)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take each day as it comes

locution verbale (ne pas s'inquiéter pour l'avenir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

pay dearly

locution verbale (argot (pâtir de [qch], souffrir)

charge the earth

locution verbale (argot (avoir des honoraires élevés) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take hostage

verbe transitif (se servir de [qqn] pour se protéger)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Les malfrats prennent comme otages les clients de la banque.
The criminals took the bank customers hostage.

take confidence

locution verbale (améliorer son assurance)

take your leave

locution verbale (s'en aller)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le candidat se leva et prit congé.
The candidate got up and took his leave.

take your leave of , take leave of

locution verbale (mettre fin à une entrevue)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le candidat se leva et prit congé du journaliste.
The candidate got up and took leave of the journalist.

read carefully

locution verbale (lire, examiner)

Merci de bien vouloir prendre connaissance de la note d'information ci-jointe.
Please read the enclosed information notice carefully.

become aware of

(réaliser [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mon fils prend conscience de l'importance des mathématiques.
My son is becoming aware of the importance of mathematics.

take advice from

locution verbale (demander des avis)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il prit conseil auprès de ses anciens professeurs.

contact

locution verbale (se mettre en relation avec [qqn])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Pour toute information, vous prendrez contact avec le directeur des ventes.
For further information, contact the sales director.

take shape

locution verbale (se réaliser)

take by storm

locution verbale (conquérir par la force)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take in your arms

locution verbale (cajoler [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

develop good habits

locution verbale (bien faire dès le départ)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Prenez de bonnes habitudes dès la rentrée.

catch off-guard

locution verbale (familier (étonner, ne pas laisser se préparer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Tu me prends de court, je ne peux pas te conduire à l'aéroport.

look down on

locution verbale (mépriser, snober)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le directeur n'a pas pu s'empêcher de prendre la nouvelle stagiaire de haut.

be getting on in years, be getting on

locution verbale (vieillir) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

gain altitude

locution verbale (s'élever dans les airs)

L'avion prend de l'altitude et dépasse les nuages.

be on the rise, be on the increase

locution verbale (se développer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce phénomène prend de l'ampleur.
This phenomenon is on the rise.

gain confidence, gain self-assurance

locution verbale (avoir plus confiance en soi)

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of prendre in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.