prendere
/ˈprɛn.de.re/
The English phrase 'take' translates to the Italian verb prendere.
prendere is used when physically grasping or picking up an object. It is also the standard verb for the act of taking or consuming medicine, similar to English usage.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers might say 'catch a bus', in Italian you use prendere for the same purpose.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of prendere is prendo (I take). The past participle is preso (taken).
How do you pronounce it?
prendere is pronounced /ˈprɛn.de.re/. The first of the three syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The Italian phrase prendere fischi per fiaschi literally means 'taking whistles for flasks' and is used to describe a total misunderstanding.
- The word 'prehensile', used to describe a tail that can grab things, comes from the same Latin root as prendere.
- If someone says prendimi, they are not asking you to physically grab them but are likely asking you to 'pick them up' in a car.
Examples in context
- Non lo prenderei mai.I'd never take it.This sentence shows how to express not taking something using prendere.Tatoeba #2564508 by Guybrush88, translation #2549127 by CK
- Lo prenderemo a rate?Will we take it in installments?This sentence uses prendere to discuss taking something in installments.Tatoeba #3405068 by Guybrush88, translation #11169008 by gcaplan
- Può prendere un taxi.You can take a taxi.This sentence uses prendere in the context of taking a taxi.Tatoeba #5086969 by Guybrush88, translation #4563337 by robbieheslop
- Prendere un libroTake a book
- Prendere il busTake the bus
- Prendere un caffèHave a coffee
- Prendere una decisioneMake a decision
- Portare via la merceTake the merchandise away
- Dai, prendi un dolceCome on, take a cake
- Prendi il controllo remotoTake the remote control
- Hanno catturato l'attenzione di tuttiThey captured everyone's attention
- 470 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are deciding how to travel to a party.
- MartinaMatteo, dobbiamo prendere un taxi?Matteo, should we take a taxi?
- MatteoSì, è più veloce.Yes, it is faster.
- MartinaVa bene, lo prendo io con l'app.Alright, I will take it with the app.
- MatteoPerfetto, grazie Martina.Perfect, thanks Martina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry prendere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prendere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
