Difference between apporter, emporter, amener, and emmener

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Difference between the French verbs apporter, emporter, amener, and emmener

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.

Apporter


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: 

  • Peux-tu m'apporter le livre qui est sur la table de la cuisine ? (Can you please bring me the book that is on the kitchen table?)
  • Apportez-moi un café, s'il te plaît ! (Bring me a coffee, please!) 

In these examples you can see where the point A starts and where or with whom it ends.

Emporter


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:

  • Les policiers ont emporté la victime. (The police took away the victim)
  • Nous avons emporté tous les cartons qui restaient dans la pièce. (We took with us all the books that were left in the room)
  • Pizza à emporter : $7  (Take-away pizza : $7)

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.

Amener


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:

  • J'ai amené mon ami chez mes parents. (I took my friend to my parent's house)
  • Il amène son fils à l'école. (He takes his son to school)

As you can see, these examples focus on the end point or place.

Emmener


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:

  • Chaque samedi, j'emmène ma grand-mère au cinéma pour lui changer les idées. (Every Saturday, I take my grandmother to the cinema to change her ideas)
  • Est-ce que les animaux sont autorisés dans l'hôtel ? Tu penses que je peux emmener mon chien avec moi ?  (Are animals authorized in the hotel? Do you think I can take my dog with me?)

As you might notice, in these examples, the person or animal remains with the person in the entire duration of the event.

If you need more explanation and examples, watch our video:


Follow our Youtube channel and Series  “Le Coup de pouce” for more practical explanations on the common mistakes and difficulties you may have when learning French!

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