prendre rendez-vous
To make an appointment in French is to prendre rendez-vous.
The phrase is used when you want to arrange a specific date and time to meet someone for a formal visit or a professional service.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, prendre rendez-vous translates to 'to take an appointment'.
Which one should you use?
The verb phrase prendre rendez-vous is used for professional settings, whereas the noun un rendez-vous can also mean a romantic date depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the person you are meeting, use the preposition avec after the phrase, as in prendre rendez-vous avec [quelqu'un].
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying faire un rendez-vous. While this follows English logic, French speakers use the verb prendre (to take) rather than faire (to make/do) for this expression.
Did you know?
- The noun rendez-vous is actually a command disguised as a noun, originating from the imperative form of the verb se rendre, which means 'to go to' or 'to present oneself'.
- While prendre rendez-vous is for formal meetings, if you are meeting a friend for coffee, you would likely use the phrase se voir or se retrouver instead.
- Missing a scheduled meeting is described as a rendez-vous manqué, which carries a stronger connotation of a 'missed opportunity' or 'failed encounter' than the English 'missed appointment'.
Examples in context
- Je dois prendre rendez-vous.I need to make an appointment.This sentence demonstrates a basic need to make an appointment.Tatoeba #5598282 by Vanessadefrance, translation #5597984 by CK
- Je n'ai pas à prendre rendez-vous.I don't have to make an appointment.This sentence shows how to express that making an appointment is unnecessary.Tatoeba #2502791 by sacredceltic, translation #2317461 by CK
- J'aimerais prendre rendez-vous pour voir le docteur.I'd like to make an appointment to see the doctor.This sentence illustrates how to use the phrase when requesting to see a doctor.Tatoeba #128656 by Aiji, translation #269795 by CK
- Je souhaite prendre rendez-vous avec le médecin.I would like to make an appointment with the doctor.
- Pourriez-vous fixer un rendez-vous pour moi avec le directeur ?Could you please make an appointment for me with the director?
- On se donne rendez-vous au café demain ?Shall we meet up at the cafe tomorrow?
- Je peux fixer un rendez-vous informel pour discuter de ce projet ?Can I arrange a casual meeting to discuss this project?
- Bonjour, je souhaite prendre rendez-vous avec le dentiste s'il vous plaît.Hello, I would like to make an appointment with the dentist, please.
- Est-ce que vendredi à 10 heures conviendrait ?Would Friday at 10 o'clock work?
- Parfait, je vous réserve cette plage horaire. À bientôt.Perfect, I'll reserve that time for you. See you soon.
- Salut, on se donne rendez-vous au parc cet après-midi ?Hi, shall we meet up at the park this afternoon?
- Oui, ça me va. Vers 15h00 ?Yes, that works for me. Around 3 PM?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is calling the hair salon to see Léa.
- LucasBonjour, je voudrais prendre rendez-vous avec Léa.Hello, I would like to make an appointment with Léa.
- LéaTrès bien, est-ce que mardi à quatorze heures vous convient ?Very well, does Tuesday at 2:00 PM suit you?
- LucasOui, c'est parfait pour moi.Yes, that is perfect for me.
- LéaC'est noté, à mardi alors !It's noted, see you Tuesday then!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prendre, rendez-vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
