Difference Between Apporter and Emporter?

A common question among French learners is: What’s the difference between apporter and emporter? Both verbs involve the act of bringing something, but they are used in different contexts. Let’s clarify their differences with examples!

1. Apporter – To Bring (to a Place)

Apporter is used when you bring something to a specific location or person. It is typically used in contexts where the destination is a fixed place or where the object is being delivered.

• Example 1:
  • Peux-tu apporter les boissons à la fête ?
    (Can you bring the drinks to the party?)

  Here, apporter indicates bringing drinks to a specific location.

• Example 2:
  • Il a apporté un cadeau pour son ami.
    (He brought a gift for his friend.)

  In this case, apporter shows that the gift is being brought to another person.

• Example 3:
  • Nous allons apporter des desserts au dîner.
    (We are going to bring desserts to dinner.)

  Here, apporter indicates bringing desserts to a meal.

• Example 4:
  • Elle a apporté son livre à l’école.
    (She brought her book to school.)

  This example shows apporter being used to deliver an item to a specific place.

2. Emporter – To Take Away (from a Place)

Emporter is used when you take something away from a specific location, usually for your own use. It often implies that the item is leaving one place to go to another.

• Example 1:
  • Je vais emporter un sandwich pour le déjeuner.
    (I am going to take a sandwich for lunch.)

  Here, emporter indicates taking the sandwich away from its current location.

• Example 2:
  • Tu peux emporter les restes de la fête.
    (You can take the leftovers from the party.)

  In this case, emporter shows that the leftovers are being taken away.

• Example 3:
  • Nous avons emporté des souvenirs de nos vacances.
    (We took souvenirs from our vacation.)

  Here, emporter indicates taking items from a place (the vacation spot).

• Example 4:
  • Il a emporté son ordinateur portable au café.
    (He took his laptop to the café.)

  This example shows emporter being used to indicate taking the laptop away from home.

Summary of Usage:

• Use Apporter when:
  • Bringing something to a specific location or person (to bring).
• Use Emporter when:
  • Taking something away from a specific location (to take away).