What verb do you use when you are taking something somewhere in French? How about bringing something from one direction to another? In similar way to our previous post explaining the difference between passé composé and imparfait, today we are going explain one of the most common grammar confusions French learners have, and that is, understanding the difference between the vers "apporter", "emporter", "amener" and "emmener".
If you are a more visual person, we’ve included an explainer video from our YouTube series “Coup de pouce”, where one of our French as a Second Language teachers explains with examples and in an easy and clear way the main differences.
In French, emporter and apporter are both verbs that express the idea of bringing or carrying something, but with a slight difference in meaning.
The verb apporter means that you take an object or a person that cannot move by himself (ex. a baby) from point A to
point B.
In the verb apporter, you can see the outcome or the completion of an event.
Apporter primarily means to bring or to bring along. It is often used in the sense of bringing something to a specific place.
For example:
In these examples you can see where the point A starts and where or with whom it ends.
The verb emporter means that you take an object or a person with you to go somewhere else. This verbs considers the
point of departure.
Emporter primarily means to take away or carry off. It is often used in the sense of carrying away with oneself.
For example:
These examples focus on the starting point where the action takes place.
In French, emmener and amener are both verbs that express the idea of taking or leading someone or something somewhere, but with a slight difference in meaning.
The verb amener means that you take a person or an animal with you to a specific location. The verb amener focuses
on the arrival point.
Amener primarily means to bring or lead someone or something to a specific place. It does not necessarily imply responsibility for
the person or thing being brought.
For example:
As you can see, these examples focus on the end point or place.
Emmener means that you leave a place with someone or an animal for the entire duration of the event. The verb
emmener considers the point of departure.
Emmener primarily means to take or carry along with oneself, often with the connotation of being responsible for the person
or thing being taken.
For example:
As you might notice, in these examples, the person or animal remains with the person in the entire duration of the event.
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