What does it mean word for word?
The phrase prête-moi is composed of the imperative form of the verb prêter (to lend) and the indirect object pronoun moi (me).
Which one should you use?
You can also use more polite constructions like Pourriez-vous me prêter… ? (Could you lend me…?) or Auriez-vous l'amabilité de me prêter… ? (Would you be so kind as to lend me…?) in formal settings. In casual settings, you might ask Peux-tu me prêter… ? (Can you lend me…?).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form prête-moi is informal because it uses the tu form of the verb, making it suitable for friends, family or peers. If you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, you should use the form prêtez-moi instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the imperative command form, the object pronoun moi follows the verb and is attached to it with a hyphen.
Did you know?
- If you ask someone to prêter l'oreille (literally 'lend the ear'), you are asking them to listen very carefully to something secret or important.
- The verb prêter can be used to describe a face that 'lends itself' to a certain emotion, such as prêter à confusion when something is likely to cause a misunderstanding.
- In French, the verb prêter is used for both 'to lend' and 'to loan', but unlike in English, you cannot use it for 'to borrow'. If you want to say 'I am borrowing a book', you must use the verb emprunter.
Examples in context
- Prête-moi ce stylo s'il te plait.Please lend me this pen.This sentence is useful for requesting a pen.Tatoeba #549745 by Snout, translation #60527 by CK
- Prête-moi ton livre, s'il te plaît.Lend me your book, please.This sentence is useful for requesting a book.Tatoeba #1020997 by sysko, translation #70387 by CK
- Prête-moi ton couteau, s'il te plait.Lend me your knife, please.This sentence is useful for requesting a knife.Tatoeba #934637 by sacredceltic, translation #4473058 by XenoKat
- Pourriez-vous me prêter votre stylo, s'il vous plaît ?Could you lend me your pen, please?
- Auriez-vous l'amabilité de me prêter votre livre ?Would you be so kind as to lend me your book?
- Peux-tu me prêter ta voiture pour demain ?Can you lend me your car for tomorrow?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are at home getting ready to go out.
- EmmaPrête-moi ton manteau, Hugo.Lend me your coat, Hugo.
- HugoOui, tiens.Yes, here you go.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup !Thank you very much!
- HugoDe rien, Emma.You're welcome, Emma.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
