promener le chien
The English phrase 'walk the dog' is translated into French as promener le chien.
This phrase is used to describe taking a dog for a walk to provide it with exercise.
Which one should you use?
While promener le chien focuses on the act of walking the animal, the alternative phrase sortir le chien is used when the focus is specifically on taking the dog outside, such as for a quick bathroom break.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb promener is a transitive verb that requires a direct object like le chien. Note that promener is a stem-changing verb where the 'e' in the stem changes to 'è' in many present tense conjugations, such as in je promène le chien. Additionally, it is much more natural in French to use the possessive adjective son (one's) instead of the definite article le (the) when saying promener son chien (to walk one's dog).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Je dois promener le chien tous les matins.I have to walk the dog every morning.
- Ma sœur sort le chien après le dîner.My sister walks the dog after dinner.
- On peut emmener le chien en balade au parc?Can we take the dog for a walk in the park?
- Je vais balader le chien dans le quartier.I'm going to walk the dog around the neighborhood.
- Je dois promener le chien maintenant.I have to walk the dog now.
- Il est temps de promener le chien.It is time to walk the dog.
- Veux-tu promener le chien avec moi ?Do you want to walk the dog with me?
Example conversation
A couple is at home on a sunny afternoon.
- HugoIl fait beau, je vais promener le chien.It is beautiful outside, I am going to walk the dog.
- ManonPeux-tu promener le chien plus tard ?Can you walk the dog later?
- HugoD'accord, je le ferai après mon travail.Okay, I will do it after my work.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, Hugo.Thank you very much, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chien, le, promener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
