prendre des photos
To take photos in French is prendre des photos.
The phrase is used to describe the action of capturing an image with a camera. While prendre des photos is the standard expression, you may also encounter the colloquial faire des photos to mean making or creating photos or the slang term shooter which is used among younger generations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb prendre (to take) and the noun phrase des photos (some photos).
Which one should you use?
prendre des photos is the standard way to express this action. In contrast, faire des photos is a colloquial alternative meaning to make or do photos and shooter is a slang term used primarily by younger people.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the act of taking just one photograph, use the singular form prendre une photo.
Did you know?
- The term cliché is commonly used in French as a synonym for 'photo' and originates from the sound of the early printing plates being stamped.
- The verb prendre in prendre des photos shares an ancestral root with the English word 'apprehend', meaning both to take an object and to seize a person.
- In French, the verb prendre is used not only for capturing images but also for consuming food and drinks, such as prendre un verre to have a drink.
Examples in context
- Peut-on prendre des photos dans ce bâtiment ?Can we take photos in this building?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use the phrase prendre des photos in a specific location.Tatoeba #1107185 by sacredceltic, translation #6812522 by Eccles17
- Vous pouvez prendre des photos de l'extérieur de ce musée, mais vous ne pouvez pas prendre de photos des objets exposés à l'intérieur.You may take photos of the outside of this museum, but you may not take pictures of the exhibits inside.This sentence shows how to use the phrase prendre des photos when discussing what is allowed inside and outside a museum.Tatoeba #8328272 by Aiji, translation #2036716 by CK
- Vous pouvez prendre des photos à l'extérieur du musée, mais pas à l'intérieur.You may take photos outside this museum, but not inside.This sentence demonstrates the use of prendre des photos to clarify where photography is permitted.Tatoeba #2044084 by jcgillet, translation #2036714 by CK
- Je vais prendre des photos lors de l'événement.I am going to take photos during the event.
- Attends, je vais prendre des photos de nous tous ensemble!Wait, I'm going to take photos of all of us together!
- Viens ici, je vais shooter quelques photos de toi avec ton nouveau look.Come here, I'm going to snap a few photos of you with your new look.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are visiting a scenic viewpoint.
- GabrielRegarde cette vue ! On devrait prendre des photos.Look at this view! We should take some photos.
- ManonOui, je sors mon appareil pour prendre des photos.Yes, I am getting my camera out to take some photos.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu peux prendre des photos de moi ?Can you take some photos of me?
- ManonBien sûr, Gabriel, tiens-toi là.Of course, Gabriel, stand right there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, prendre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
