Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| apporter | /a.pɔʁ.te/ |
| amener | /am.ne/ /a.mə.ne/ |
Both words express the action of transporting something or someone toward a person or a destination.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on what is being moved. Use apporter when the object being brought is an inanimate thing or an object that can be carried. Use amener when the object being brought is a person or an animal that can walk or move itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, it is common to use rapporter instead of apporter or ramener to mean bring.
How do you pronounce it?
The word apporter is pronounced /a.pɔʁ.te/ and has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use one word for both 'bring' and 'take', but in French, you must distinguish between bringing toward the speaker (apporter/amener) and taking away from the speaker (emporter/emmener).
Did you know?
- The word amener originates from the Latin verb 'minārī', which means 'to threaten'.
- If you use amener for an inanimate object like a book, a French speaker will understand you, but it will sound as if you are treating the book as if it were a living creature capable of walking.
- While apporter means to bring an object, the word emporter is used for 'takeout' food, as in à emporter.
Examples in context
- Je te les apporterai.I'll bring them to you.The first sentence shows how to use apporter to express bringing something to someone.Tatoeba #12238901 by Rovo, translation #3919250 by CK
- Tu me les apporteras ?Will you bring them to me?The second sentence is a way to ask someone if they will bring something to you using apporter.Tatoeba #13834940 by Rovo, translation #13735045 by frpzzd
- Je vais lui en apporter.I'll bring him some.The third sentence demonstrates how to use apporter to say you will bring some of something to someone.Tatoeba #2808127 by Aiji, translation #9741152 by traeton
- Pourriez-vous apporter du pain, s'il vous plaît?Could you bring some bread, please?
- Apportez-moi le dossier dès que possible.Bring me the file as soon as possible.
- Elle a apporté des cadeaux pour tout le monde.She brought gifts for everyone.
- Pouvez-vous amener le directeur à la réunion?Can you bring the manager to the meeting?
- Amenez votre chien chez le vétérinaire.Bring your dog to the vet.
- Tu peux ramener du vin ce soir?Can you bring some wine tonight?
- J'ai oublié mon livre chez toi, tu peux me le ramener demain?I forgot my book at your place, can you bring it back to me tomorrow?
- Apporte-moi mon sac, s'il te plaît.Bring me my bag, please.
- 142 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are preparing for a small picnic.
- LucasManon, peux-tu apporter les boissons ?Manon, can you bring the drinks?
- ManonOui, je vais les apporter tout de suite.Yes, I will bring them right away.
- LucasMerci, je vais apporter le pain.Thanks, I am going to bring the bread.
- ManonC'est parfait, Lucas.That is perfect, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bring” translations and entries apporter, amener, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amener, apporter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
