What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English equivalent. Prenez is the imperative form of prendre (to take) and votre temps means 'your time'.
Which one should you use?
Prenez votre temps is used when addressing a group of people or a single person in a formal setting. In contrast, Prends ton temps is used for a single person in an informal setting. To emphasize that someone should take all the time they need, you can use the more intense forms Prenez tout votre temps or Prends tout ton temps.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of France, the expression Ne te presse pas is used to convey a similar meaning to 'take your time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from the formal Prenez votre temps to the informal Prends ton temps when speaking to a single person you know well.
Did you know?
- The word temps is a homonym in French, meaning both 'time' and 'weather'.
- In a high-pressure professional French environment, telling a colleague Prenez votre temps can sometimes be interpreted as sarcastic, implying they are being unnecessarily slow.
- In very informal slang, a French speaker might use T'inquiète (short for Ne t'inquiète pas) to mean 'take your time' by telling the other person not to worry.
Examples in context
- Prenez votre temps. Nous attendrons.Take your time. We'll wait.This example shows how to use Prenez votre temps when offering to wait.Tatoeba #6929944 by Nyans, translation #6929405 by Eccles17
- Prenez votre temps, il n'y a pas d'urgence.Take your time. There's no rush.This example shows how to use Prenez votre temps to express that there is no rush.Tatoeba #1664082 by sacredceltic, translation #1655641 by Spamster
- Prenez votre temps lorsque vous prenez vos repas.Take your time when you eat meals.This example shows how to use Prenez votre temps in the context of eating meals.Tatoeba #1293460 by sacredceltic, translation #1293083 by CK
- Excusez-moi, prenez votre temps pour répondre à la question.Excuse me, take your time to answer the question.
- Vous êtes en train de choisir un cadeau, prenez tout votre temps.You are choosing a gift, take all your time.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo is waiting for Emma to finish her drawing.
- HugoPrenez votre temps pour finir le dessin.Take your time to finish the drawing.
- EmmaMerci, Hugo. J'ai presque terminé.Thank you, Hugo. I have almost finished.
- HugoNe vous pressez pas, c'est très beau.Don't rush, it is very beautiful.
- EmmaC'est gentil. Voilà, c'est prêt !That's kind. There, it's ready!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
