prendre une photo
To take a photo in French is to say prendre une photo.
This phrase is used to describe the action of using a camera to capture an image of someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb prendre (to take), the indefinite article une (a/an) and the noun photo (photo).
Which one should you use?
While prendre une photo is the standard way to express this, you may encounter the more technical or artistic variation prendre un cliché, which translates to 'to take a shot' or 'to take a photo'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express taking multiple photos, change the indefinite article une to the plural indefinite article des, resulting in prendre des photos.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying faire une photo (to make a photo), which is a common error made by English speakers. Instead, always use the verb prendre.
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, a photographer might use the word cliché instead of photo. While in English a 'cliché' is an overused expression, in French it is a standard term for a high-quality photographic print or shot.
- The verb prendre shares a common ancestor with the English word 'comprehend', as both stems from the Latin 'prehendere', meaning to seize or grasp.
- The verb prendre used in prendre une photo is the same verb used for consuming food or drink, such as prendre un café.
Examples in context
- Pourriez-vous prendre une photo de moi ?Could you take a photo of me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to take a photo of you.Tatoeba #10684854 by Micsmithel, translation #2966113 by patgfisher
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous prendre une photo de mes amis et moi ?Excuse me, could you please take a photo of my friends and me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to take a photo of your friends and yourself.Tatoeba #11218682 by lbdx, translation #2562135 by AnneWy
- Puis-je prendre une photo ?May I take a photo?This sentence is useful for asking permission to take a photo.Tatoeba #1278138 by Geogi, translation #456373 by lukaszpp
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are visiting a museum together.
- LéaRegarde ce tableau, je veux prendre une photo.Look at this painting, I want to take a photo.
- GabrielJe ne pense pas que ce soit permis ici.I don't think it is allowed here.
- LéaAh, tu as raison, je ne vais pas prendre une photo.Ah, you are right, I will not take a photo.
- GabrielOn peut admirer l'œuvre avec nos yeux.We can admire the work with our eyes.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries photo, prendre, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
