Dialogue
Borrowing something in French: prêter, emprunter and rendre
Ask to borrow a dictionary, agree when to return it and give it back. Practise both sides of the exchange in a French dialogue with picture cards.
- A2
- 12 lines
- Practice mode
- Learn this in the A2 notebook →
In short
Prêter means to lend, emprunter means to borrow and rendre means to give back. For one loan, Nora can say Je te prête mon dictionnaire and Samir can say Je t’emprunte ton dictionnaire.
Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn
What would you like to borrow?
Find:
- Nora
Tu as tout pour l’exercice ?
English
Have you got everything for the exercise?
- Samir
Presque. Je peux t’emprunter ton dictionnaire ?
Ask Nora if you can borrow her dictionary.
English
Almost. Can I borrow your dictionary?
- Nora
Oui, je te le prête. J’en ai besoin ce soir.
English
Yes, I’ll lend it to you. I need it this evening.
- Samir
D’accord. Je te le rends après le cours.
Agree and say you will give it back after class.
English
OK. I’ll give it back after the class.
- Nora
Parfait. Et tu veux un stylo ?
English
Perfect. And do you want a pen?
- Samir
Non merci, j’ai le mien.
Decline the pen and say you have your own.
English
No thanks, I’ve got mine.
- Nora
Tu peux utiliser le dictionnaire jusqu’à midi.
English
You can use the dictionary until midday.
- Samir
Merci, c’est très gentil.
Thank Nora for lending it.
English
Thank you, that’s very kind.
- Nora
Le cours est fini. Tu as terminé ?
English
The class is over. Have you finished?
- Samir
Oui. Voilà ton dictionnaire. Je te le rends.
Return the dictionary and say what you are doing.
English
Yes. Here’s your dictionary. I’m giving it back.
- Nora
Merci ! Tu as trouvé le mot ?
English
Thanks! Did you find the word?
- Samir
Oui, merci de ton aide.
Say yes and thank her for her help.
English
Yes, thanks for your help.
| Who acts? | French | What happens? |
|---|---|---|
| Nora | Nora prête son dictionnaire à Samir. | The owner lends it to the borrower. |
| Samir | Samir emprunte le dictionnaire à Nora. | The borrower receives it temporarily. |
| Samir | Samir rend le dictionnaire à Nora. | The borrower gives it back to the owner. |
Both prêter and emprunter can take à before the person. English changes “to Nora” to “from Nora” when the viewpoint changes; French keeps à Nora. The verb tells you the direction. In the dialogue, le stands for le dictionnaire, and te names the person receiving the loan or the returned object.