Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “to take away” in French! Whether you’re learning the language for travel, work, or personal enrichment, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept. We’ll also provide you with tips, examples, and mention any regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking with someone you don’t know well, it’s essential to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions you can use:
- Emporter – This is the most common verb used in formal French to convey the idea of “to take away.” For example, you could say, “Pouvez-vous emporter mon assiette s’il vous plaît?” (Can you take away my plate, please?)
- Prendre à emporter – This is another formal expression commonly used in restaurants and cafés when asking for takeout. For instance, you can say, “Je voudrais prendre ce sandwich à emporter, s’il vous plaît.” (I would like to take this sandwich away, please.)
Informal Expressions
In more casual situations or when conversing with friends and family, the formal expressions can sound too stiff. Here are informal ways to say “to take away” in French:
- Emmener – In informal contexts, “emmener” is often used to mean “to take away” when referring to objects. For example, you might say, “Je vais t’emmener ton livre” (I’m going to take away your book).
- Te/t’emporter – This expression is used when talking to a single person. For instance, you can say, “Je vais te l’emporter” (I’m going to take it away for you).
- Vous/v’emporter – When addressing multiple people or using the formal “vous” form, you can say, “Je vais vous l’emporter” (I’m going to take it away for you all).
Regional Variations
French is spoken in France and several other countries, where minor regional variations exist. The expressions we’ve discussed so far are universally understood, but there are a few regional differences you may come across:
In Quebec (Canada), “apporter” is commonly used instead of “emporter.” So, you might hear someone say, “Pouvez-vous apporter mon assiette s’il vous plaît?” instead of “Pouvez-vous emporter mon assiette s’il vous plaît?” (Can you take away my plate, please?)
Useful Tips and Examples
To help you further grasp the concept of “to take away” in French, here are some additional tips and examples:
Remember, in French, the verb you use may change depending on the context and the direct object.
Let’s look at examples in different contexts:
- Food and Drinks:
– Formal: Pouvez-vous emporter ces restes, s’il vous plaît?
– Informal: Je vais t’emmener ces restes (I’m going to take away these leftovers for you). - Documents:
– Formal: Pouvez-vous emporter ce dossier, s’il vous plaît?
– Informal: Je vais te l’emporter (I’m going to take away this file for you). - Objects:
– Formal: Pouvez-vous emporter ce carton, s’il vous plaît?
– Informal: Je vais te l’emmener (I’m going to take away this box for you).
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to apply these expressions whenever you have the opportunity. Additionally, listening to native French speakers or engaging in conversations with language partners can greatly enhance your skills.
With this guide, you now have a solid understanding of how to say “to take away” in French. Whether you’re in formal or informal situations, or even encountering a regional variation, you’re well-equipped to communicate effectively. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become fluent in this essential French phrase!
