French word

prendre

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁɑ̃dʁ/

Meaning

  • verbhave

Example

Je vais prendre un café.

I am going to have a coffee.

Illustration for prendre (have)

More examples

Je dois prendre des médicaments.

I have to take medication.

Core concept

A hand brings an object, resource, or opportunity into its control for possession or use.

Common phrases

  • prendre un café

    have a coffee

  • prendre le métro

    take the metro

  • prendre une photo

    take a photo

Similar words

boire: To drink a liquid.
commander: To order food or goods at a restaurant or shop.
acheter: To pay for and obtain goods or services.
emporter: To take an item away from a place and bring it home.

Definition in French

Indique l'action d'obtenir, de recevoir ou d'utiliser quelque chose, ou de se saisir d'un moment ou d'un moyen.

Word origin

Prendre comes through Old French prendre from Latin prehendere, meaning "to seize," and its grasping sense broadened into receiving, using, and taking.

Usage tips

  • In prendre un café, prendre means have or order a coffee rather than physically take it.

Other meanings

  • takeverb
  • photographverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word