Emporter or emmener: what are you taking with you?
Take an umbrella with emporter and a companion with emmener. Compare the verbs, pack with picture cards and try four departure questions.
In short
Use emporter for an object you take away with you: J’emporte mon sac. Use emmener for someone you take along: J’emmène ma sœur. A dog coming on the trip also takes emmener.
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What is the difference between emporter and emmener?
emporterto take something with you
Focus: a belonging or something to eat
emporter + un objet
J’emporte un parapluie : il va pleuvoir.
I’m taking an umbrella: it’s going to rain.
Nous emportons des sandwichs pour le trajet.
We’re taking sandwiches for the journey.
emmenerto take someone along
Focus: a person or animal travelling with you
emmener + quelqu’un
J’emmène ma sœur au cinéma.
I’m taking my sister to the cinema.
Vous emmenez votre chien en vacances ?
Are you taking your dog on holiday?
What will you take?
Find:
At the door: who and what is coming?
- Nora
On va au parc. Tu emmènes ta sœur ?
We’re going to the park. Are you taking your sister?
- Malik
Oui, et j’emmène aussi le chien.
Yes, and I’m taking the dog too.
- Nora
D’accord. J’emporte les sandwichs.
All right. I’m taking the sandwiches.
- Malik
Tu emportes un manteau ?
Are you taking a coat?
- Nora
Oui. Et toi, emporte ton sac à dos.
Yes. And you, take your rucksack.
- Malik
C’est bon, on peut partir !
All set, we can go!
Study first: the present forms
| Subject | emporter | emmener |
|---|---|---|
| je / j’ | j’emporte | j’emmène |
| tu | emportes | emmènes |
| il / elle / on | emporte | emmène |
| nous | emportons | emmenons |
| vous | emportez | emmenez |
| ils / elles | emportent | emmènent |
Keep the two ms in emmener. The accent changes in j’emmène and ils emmènent; the nous and vous forms keep e: nous emmenons, vous emmenez.
How do you say “takeaway” in French?
Un café à emporter, s’il vous plaît.
A takeaway coffee, please.
À emporter stays in the infinitive. Sur place means having it there.
Emportez vos affaires en partant.
Take your belongings with you when you leave.
For the next meeting, the request changes to Apportez vos affaires — bring your things.
For a person, compare J’emmène Léa à la gare (I’m taking Léa to the station) and J’amène Léa à la gare (I’m bringing Léa to the station). The first presents Léa as your companion on departure; the second presents her arrival. Everyday uses overlap.