Amener vs Emmener
Both amener and emmener are used with people or animals, and they’re often translated as to bring or to take. The difference isn’t where you’re going. It’s whether you stay or leave afterward.
You can download a PDF of this lesson guide in my private French Grammar Library.
The main idea
- Amener – You bring someone somewhere and leave them there
- Emmener – You take someone somewhere and stay with them
This distinction is very important in French, even though English doesn’t make it.
1. Amener – Bring someone and leave them
Use amener when the action ends with the person or animal staying behind, without you.
Examples:
- Elle amène sa fille chez la nounou.
- She brings her daughter to the babysitter. (She leaves her there.)
- J’amène mon père à l’hôpital.
- I’m taking my father to the hospital. (I’m not staying.)
- Le professeur amène les élèves à la salle d’examen.
- The teacher brings the students to the exam room. (Then leaves.)
If it feels like dropping someone off, amener is usually the right choice.
2. Emmener – Take someone with you and stay
Use emmener when you go somewhere together and remain there with the person or animal.
Examples:
- Il emmène ses amis au restaurant.
- He’s taking his friends to the restaurant. (He’s eating with them.)
- Elle m’emmène voir un concert.
- She’s taking me to a concert. (She’s staying with me.)
- Nous emmenons le chien en randonnée.
- We’re taking the dog hiking. (The dog stays with us.)
If the person stays with you, you’ll likely want to use emmener.
Comparison chart
| Verb | What happens after arrival | Typical situation |
| amener | You leave | school, doctor, babysitter |
| emmener | You stay together | outings, trips, activities |
3. Tricky but important cases
A. Vehicles: often interchangeable
When a vehicle is the subject, amener and emmener are often interchangeable, because the idea of “staying or leaving” doesn’t really apply. Both are natural and correct.
- Ce taxi nous amène à l’aéroport.
- Ce taxi nous emmène à l’aéroport.
B. Objects: Usually not used — but one exception
Normally:
- apporter / emporter – objects you can carry
- amener / emmener – people or animals
But amener can be used with objects that move on their own or can’t be carried easily.
- Il amène sa voiture chez le garagiste.
- He brings his car to the mechanic.
You would not use emmener here.
4. What confuses English speakers most
English focuses on direction (bring vs take). French focuses on the relationship between the people involved.
Instead of asking: “Am I bringing or taking?”
Ask: “Am I staying with them, or leaving them there?”
That one question usually gives you the answer instantly.
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