prendre en location
prendre en location في 30 ثانية
- A formal way to say 'to rent' as a tenant, avoiding the ambiguity of the verb 'louer' which can also mean 'to rent out'.
- Commonly used for significant rentals like cars, apartments, and professional equipment in formal or business contexts.
- Follows the irregular conjugation of 'prendre' followed by the fixed phrase 'en location', which never changes form.
- Essential for navigating French bureaucracy, travel arrangements, and legal contracts where precise terminology is required.
The French phrase prendre en location is a sophisticated and precise way to express the act of renting something. While the simple verb louer can mean both 'to rent' (as a tenant) and 'to rent out' (as a landlord), prendre en location removes all ambiguity by specifying that the subject is the one acquiring the use of the property or item in exchange for payment. This phrase is heavily utilized in formal, legal, and commercial contexts, such as signing a lease for an apartment, acquiring a fleet of vehicles for a business, or securing professional equipment for a short-term project. It carries a connotation of a contractual agreement, making it the preferred choice in professional settings over the more colloquial louer. For instance, when dealing with a real estate agent or a car rental agency, using this phrase demonstrates a higher level of linguistic proficiency and clarity. It is particularly common in the real estate sector where 'la prise en location' refers to the commencement of a lease. Understanding this phrase is essential for learners who wish to navigate French administrative procedures or business environments where precision is paramount. It bridges the gap between basic survival French and professional-level communication. The structure follows the standard conjugation of the verb prendre (to take), followed by the prepositional phrase en location, which functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner of acquisition.
- Grammatical Structure
- The phrase consists of the irregular verb 'prendre' combined with the fixed prepositional group 'en location'. It is always transitive, requiring a direct object (the item being rented).
Nous avons décidé de prendre en location un petit appartement dans le centre-ville pour nos vacances d'été.
In everyday conversation, while a French speaker might simply say 'J'ai loué une voiture' (I rented a car), they might switch to prendre en location when discussing the terms of the contract or when writing a formal request. For example, 'Je souhaite prendre en location un véhicule de catégorie B pour une durée de sept jours.' This level of detail is typical in written correspondence. Furthermore, the phrase is often used when discussing long-term commitments, such as 'LOA' (Location avec Option d'Achat), where the act of taking the item into one's possession under a rental agreement is the primary legal action. It is also important to note that this phrase is strictly for the tenant's perspective. A landlord would never say they 'prennent en location' their own apartment to someone else; they would use 'mettre en location' (to put up for rent). This distinction is a common stumbling block for English speakers because the English word 'rent' is often auto-antonymous. By mastering prendre en location, you avoid the 'who is paying whom' confusion entirely.
- Contextual Nuance
- Use this when you want to sound professional or when the specific action of 'becoming a tenant' is the focus of the sentence.
L'entreprise a choisi de prendre en location ses nouveaux bureaux plutôt que de les acheter.
The phrase also appears frequently in financial discussions. For instance, in accounting, 'prendre un bien en location-financement' refers to a specific type of leasing arrangement. This demonstrates how the core phrase serves as a building block for more complex technical terms. Even in the digital age, where we 'rent' movies or cloud storage, the phrase remains relevant, though 'louer' is more common for digital goods. Prendre en location implies a physical handover or a substantial contractual period. It evokes the image of receiving keys, signing a 'bail' (lease), and performing an 'état des lieux' (inventory of fixtures). It is a phrase rooted in the physical and legal reality of property exchange. When you use it, you aren't just saying you're paying for something; you're saying you are entering into a formal relationship with the owner of that thing. This is why it is so prevalent in French bureaucracy, which prides itself on precise legal definitions. For a learner, using this phrase correctly is a sign that you understand not just the words, but the underlying social and legal structures of French life.
- Common Objects
- Commonly used with: une voiture (a car), un appartement (an apartment), un local commercial (commercial premises), du matériel (equipment).
Il est souvent plus avantageux pour un jeune professionnel de prendre en location un studio meublé.
Avez-vous déjà pensé à prendre en location un vélo pour visiter la ville ?
Ils ont dû prendre en location un chapiteau pour le mariage en raison de la pluie prévue.
Using prendre en location requires careful attention to the verb conjugation of prendre and the placement of the object. Because it is a verb phrase, the object usually follows the entire phrase, but in complex tenses or with pronouns, the order can shift. For example, in the passé composé, you would say 'J'ai pris en location une voiture'. If you want to use a pronoun, it would be 'Je l'ai prise en location' (note the agreement of the past participle 'prise' with the feminine direct object 'la voiture'). This phrase is particularly versatile because it can be used in almost any tense to describe the past, present, or future intent of renting. In the future tense, it sounds very decisive: 'Demain, nous prendrons en location le matériel nécessaire'. This suggests a planned, professional action. When used in the conditional, it often expresses a possibility or a request: 'Je prendrais bien ce local en location si le loyer était plus bas.' Here, the speaker is weighing the options of a business lease. It is important to remember that 'en location' acts as a fixed unit; you cannot say 'prendre dans location' or 'prendre par location'. The preposition 'en' is mandatory and denotes the state or condition under which the object is being taken.
- Direct Object Placement
- The object usually follows 'location': 'Prendre en location [objet]'. However, in formal writing, you might see 'Prendre [objet] en location'. Both are correct, but the former is more common in speech.
Si vous voulez éviter les frais d'entretien, il vaut mieux prendre en location votre matériel informatique.
When constructing sentences with prendre en location, you often need to specify the duration or the cost. This is usually done using prepositions like pour (for) or à (at/for). For example: 'Il a pris en location un utilitaire pour la journée.' Or 'Nous avons pris en location cet appartement à un prix très raisonnable.' These additions provide the necessary context that makes the sentence useful in real-world scenarios. Another important aspect is the use of the infinitive form after other verbs. You will often see it following verbs of desire, necessity, or intention: 'Je dois prendre en location...', 'Je compte prendre en location...', 'Il est possible de prendre en location...'. This structure is very common in customer service interactions. If you are at a 'comptoir de location' (rental desk), you might say, 'Je souhaiterais prendre en location un GPS avec la voiture.' This is polite, clear, and grammatically precise. It also distinguishes your request from simply 'buying' or 'borrowing'. The phrase reinforces the commercial nature of the transaction. In more advanced usage, you might encounter the passive voice: 'Ce bâtiment a été pris en location par une multinationale.' This emphasizes the property rather than the tenant, which is common in news reports or real estate listings.
- Tense Variations
- Passé Composé: J'ai pris en location. Imparfait: Je prenais en location. Futur: Je prendrai en location. Subjonctif: Que je prenne en location.
Avant de signer, assurez-vous de bien comprendre les conditions pour prendre en location ce véhicule.
Furthermore, the phrase can be modified with adverbs to add more detail. You might 'prendre en location saisonnière' (rent seasonally) or 'prendre en location longue durée' (rent for the long term). These modifiers are essential in the French rental market. For example, 'Beaucoup de touristes préfèrent prendre en location saisonnière des villas avec piscine.' This sentence describes a specific market segment. In a business context, one might say 'L'entreprise prend systématiquement ses serveurs en location pour rester à la pointe de la technologie.' Here, the adverb 'systématiquement' shows a company policy. The phrase is also useful when comparing renting to buying: 'Est-il préférable d'acheter ou de prendre en location son équipement de ski ?' This is a classic debate for travelers. By using prendre en location, the speaker sounds more analytical and considered. It moves the conversation beyond a simple transaction and into the realm of financial strategy. Even for a student, saying 'Je vais prendre en location une chambre chez l'habitant' sounds more formal and respectful than 'Je vais louer une chambre'. It implies an awareness of the formal arrangement being entered into.
- Negative Constructions
- 'Je ne veux pas prendre en location ce modèle.' Use 'ne... pas' around the conjugated verb 'prendre'.
Est-ce que vous allez prendre en location un box de stockage pendant votre déménagement ?
Il a été obligé de prendre en location un groupe électrogène après la tempête.
You will encounter prendre en location in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the highly professional. One of the most common places is at an airport or train station, specifically at car rental counters like Europcar, Avis, or Hertz. The agents there will use this terminology in their contracts and when explaining insurance options. You'll hear them ask, 'Souhaitez-vous prendre en location un véhicule avec une boîte automatique ?' This is the standard professional phrasing. Similarly, in the world of real estate (immobilier), this phrase is the bread and butter of agents. When you walk into an agency in Paris or Lyon, the listings will often use the noun form 'Prise en location immédiate' (Available for immediate rental), and the agents will discuss 'prendre un bail en location'. If you are a student looking for a 'colocation' (flatshare), you might still use this phrase when discussing the formal aspects of the lease with a 'propriétaire' (landlord). It signals that you are serious and understand the legalities involved. Beyond these common areas, the phrase is also prevalent in the 'B2B' (Business to Business) sector. Companies rarely buy expensive machinery; they prennent en location cranes, heavy trucks, or specialized medical equipment. You will read this in business newspapers like Les Échos or Le Figaro Économie when they report on corporate strategies.
- Travel & Tourism
- Found in brochures, rental agreements, and at service desks for cars, bikes, and holiday homes.
Le guide nous a conseillé de prendre en location un bateau pour explorer les calanques.
In French television and cinema, especially in dramas involving legal battles or business deals, the phrase is used to underscore the formality of a situation. For example, a character might say, 'J'ai pris ce bureau en location sous un faux nom' (I rented this office under a false name). This adds a layer of 'official' weight to the plot. You'll also find it in government websites and pamphlets. The French administration (like the CAF or tax offices) uses this phrase to distinguish between owners and tenants for the purpose of housing benefits or local taxes. If you are applying for 'APL' (Aide Personnalisée au Logement), you will inevitably see the phrase 'prendre un logement en location'. In the agricultural sector, farmers often prennent en location land from other owners to expand their crops, a practice known as 'fermage'. Even in the arts, a theater troupe might prendre en location a stage or a gallery for an exhibition. The phrase is ubiquitous because it clearly defines the nature of possession—it is temporary and paid for. For a learner, hearing this phrase is a cue that the conversation has moved from casual chat to a structured agreement. It is the language of the 'contrat' (contract) and the 'engagement' (commitment).
- Legal & Administrative
- Standard terminology in leases, insurance policies, and tax documents regarding residency status.
Beaucoup de citadins choisissent de ne plus posséder de voiture et d'en prendre en location uniquement pour les week-ends.
Additionally, in the world of luxury, the phrase takes on a different tone. High-end boutiques or event planners might prendre en location rare art pieces or designer furniture to stage a 'défilé de mode' (fashion show) or a gala. In this context, it signifies access to exclusivity without the burden of ownership. You might also hear it in the context of 'location-gérance', a specific French legal term where a person takes over the management of a business (like a café or a shop) by renting the 'fonds de commerce'. This is a very common way for young entrepreneurs to start a business in France. The phrase prendre en location is thus a gateway to understanding French economic life. Whether you are a tourist renting a surfboard in Biarritz or a CEO leasing a skyscraper in La Défense, you are performing the same linguistic and legal action. It is a unifying phrase across different social strata, always maintaining its core meaning of 'temporary acquisition through payment'. For the English speaker, it is the equivalent of 'leasing' or 'taking on a rental', but with a broader application that covers everything from a bicycle to a factory.
- Business & Finance
- Used when discussing 'leasing' (crédit-bail) or renting professional equipment and commercial real estate.
Pour son nouveau restaurant, elle a dû prendre en location une cuisine professionnelle entièrement équipée.
Il est possible de prendre en location des costumes d'époque pour le festival médiéval.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing prendre en location with mettre en location. In English, the word 'rent' is used for both the tenant and the landlord ('I rent an apartment' vs 'I rent out an apartment'). In French, this is a recipe for confusion. If you say 'Je mets en location une voiture', you are telling people that you own a car and want someone to pay you to use it. If you mean that you want to be the driver, you must use prendre en location. Another mistake is the omission of the preposition 'en'. Learners often try to translate 'rent' directly and might say 'prendre une location', which actually means 'to take a rental (unit)' rather than the action of renting itself. While 'prendre une location' is sometimes heard, prendre en location is the grammatically standard way to describe the verb action. Furthermore, there is often confusion between louer and prendre en location. While louer is perfectly correct, using it alone can sometimes be ambiguous. If a student says 'J'ai loué mon appartement', does it mean they moved out and found a tenant, or they just moved in? Using prendre en location removes this ambiguity instantly: 'J'ai pris un appartement en location' clearly means you are the tenant.
- Mistake: Confusing Tenant vs Landlord
- Correct: Prendre en location (Tenant). Correct: Mettre en location (Landlord). Incorrect: Using 'louer' without context when the direction of the transaction matters.
Attention : ne dites pas 'Je vais mettre en location un vélo' si vous voulez en utiliser un !
Another subtle mistake involves the conjugation of the verb prendre. Because it is an irregular verb, many learners struggle with the past participle or the plural forms. Saying 'J'ai prendu en location' instead of 'J'ai pris en location' is a common A2-level error. Similarly, the 'nous' and 'vous' forms (prenons, prenez) are often misspelled or mispronounced. It is also common to see learners using the wrong preposition, such as 'prendre à location' or 'prendre pour location'. Neither of these is correct. The phrase is a fixed idiomatic construction: prendre + en + location. Additionally, some learners try to use 'emprunter' (to borrow) when they mean 'rent'. While both involve temporary use, 'emprunter' is for free items (like a book from a library or a pen from a friend), whereas prendre en location specifically implies a commercial transaction. Using 'emprunter' at a car rental agency would sound very strange. Finally, be careful with the word 'location' itself. In English, 'location' means a place or a position. In French, 'location' primarily means 'rental'. If you want to talk about the location of a building, use 'l'emplacement' or 'la situation'. Saying 'La location de cet hôtel est parfaite' means 'The rental of this hotel is perfect', which makes no sense if you meant the view or the neighborhood.
- Mistake: False Friend 'Location'
- In French, 'location' = rental. In English, 'location' = place. Don't say 'Cette location est belle' to mean 'This spot is beautiful'.
Il est incorrect de dire 'Je vais emprunter une voiture' si vous payez pour l'utiliser.
Lastly, a common stylistic mistake is overusing prendre en location in very casual settings. If you are just telling a friend you rented a movie on your TV, saying 'J'ai pris ce film en location' is a bit heavy. In that case, 'J'ai loué ce film' is much more natural. The key is to match the formality of the phrase to the situation. Use prendre en location for cars, houses, and expensive equipment, and stick to louer for smaller, everyday items. Also, avoid using 'louer' for people. In English, we might 'rent a person' (like a Santa or a clown), but in French, we 'engage' (hire) or 'recrute' (recruit) them. Saying 'prendre un clown en location' would sound like you are treating the person as a piece of equipment. This is a subtle but important cultural and linguistic distinction. By being aware of these pitfalls—direction of transaction, fixed prepositions, irregular verbs, false friends, and appropriate register—you can use prendre en location like a native speaker and avoid the most common traps that catch out intermediate learners.
- Mistake: Over-formality
- Don't use this phrase for very small, casual rentals like a 1-euro app or a movie, where 'louer' is much better.
On ne dit pas 'J'ai pris en location un employé', on dit 'J'ai embauché un employé'.
Ne confondez pas : 'louer' (ambigu) vs 'prendre en location' (précis pour le locataire).
The most obvious alternative to prendre en location is the simple verb louer. As discussed, louer is more common in daily speech but less precise. Another close synonym is affréter, which is specifically used for renting large transport vehicles like planes, ships, or buses. You wouldn't 'affréter' a small car, but a company might 'affréter un avion' for its employees. For long-term rentals of vehicles or equipment, the term faire un leasing (or crédit-bail) is very popular in modern French. This refers specifically to a rental agreement with an option to buy at the end. In the context of property, you might hear occuper à titre de locataire (to occupy as a tenant), which is very formal and often found in legal documents. If you are talking about renting a room in someone's house, loger (to lodge/stay) is often used, though it doesn't always imply payment unless specified. For professional services, we use solliciter or faire appel à, never 'prendre en location'. Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the most appropriate word for the specific context, whether you are at a party, in a courtroom, or at a construction site.
- Louer vs. Prendre en location
- Louer: General, can mean to rent or to rent out. Prendre en location: Formal, specifically means to rent (as a tenant/user).
L'entreprise a décidé d'affréter un jet privé pour le déplacement urgent du directeur.
Another interesting synonym is bailler, though this is mostly archaic or restricted to very specific legal formulas (like 'bail à ferme'). In modern usage, the noun bail (lease) is used with the verb signer: 'signer un bail'. This is often the logical next step after deciding to prendre en location an apartment. In the world of short-term rentals, especially for vacation homes, you might see réserver (to reserve). While reserving is the act of booking, prendre en location is the act of actually entering the rental agreement. For example, 'J'ai réservé la villa en janvier, et je la prendrai en location en juillet.' This distinguishes the booking phase from the actual rental phase. For tools or small equipment, emprunter is the alternative if no money is involved, but if you go to a shop like 'Kiloutou', you are definitely going to prendre en location a drill or a sander. In some cases, sous-louer (to sublet) is used when the tenant rents the property to someone else. It's important to know this because prendre en location usually implies a direct contract with the owner or an authorized agency.
- Affréter vs. Prendre en location
- Affréter: Specifically for large-scale transport (ships, planes). Prendre en location: General for cars, houses, and equipment.
Il est plus courant de louer un DVD, mais on prend en location un local industriel.
Furthermore, in the context of digital services, we often talk about s'abonner (to subscribe). You don't 'prendre en location' Netflix; you 's'abonne' to it. However, you might 'prendre en location' a movie on a platform like VOD, which is a one-time transaction. This highlights the difference between a subscription (continuous access) and a rental (temporary possession of a specific item). In the financial world, l'affacturage or other complex terms might replace rental verbs, but prendre en location remains the most solid, all-purpose formal term for the act of renting. It's also worth noting the term mise à disposition, which means 'making available'. A company might 'mettre à disposition' a car for an employee, which is different from the employee 'prenant en location' the car themselves. One is a perk; the other is a transaction. By understanding these nuances, you can navigate the French language with more precision and avoid the 'one size fits all' approach that often limits learners' ability to express complex ideas.
- Summary of Alternatives
- 1. Louer (General) 2. Affréter (Transport) 3. Crédit-bail (Finance/Leasing) 4. S'abonner (Digital Subscriptions) 5. Réserver (Booking).
Au lieu de prendre en location chaque outil, il a préféré acheter une caisse complète.
La mairie permet de prendre en location des parcelles de jardins ouvriers.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The word 'location' in French has remained much closer to its Latin root 'locatio' (leasing) than the English 'location', which shifted toward 'place'.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'n' in 'en' as a hard 'n' instead of a nasal vowel.
- Forgetting the silent 'd' and 're' sounds in 'prendre' in fast speech.
- Pronouncing 'location' like the English word 'location' (low-kay-shun) instead of lo-ka-syoh.
- Missing the nasal /ɔ̃/ at the end of location.
- Over-stressing the first syllable of 'prendre'.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize in texts and signs once you know 'location' means rental.
Requires correct conjugation of the irregular verb 'prendre'.
The nasal vowel in 'en' and the 'r' in 'prendre' can be tricky for beginners.
Usually clearly articulated in professional contexts.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Conjugation of 'prendre'
Je prends, nous prenons, ils prennent.
Agreement of the past participle with 'avoir' when the direct object is before the verb.
La voiture que j'ai prise en location.
Use of 'en' for states or modes.
En location, en vente, en retard.
Direct object placement in infinitive constructions.
Je veux prendre [objet] en location.
Negative placement with compound verbs.
Je n'ai pas pris en location.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Je veux prendre une voiture en location.
I want to rent a car.
Uses 'vouloir' + infinitive.
Où peut-on prendre un vélo en location ?
Where can one rent a bike?
Interrogative sentence with 'peut-on'.
Il prend un petit appartement en location.
He is renting a small apartment.
Present tense of 'prendre'.
Nous prenons des skis en location.
We are renting skis.
First person plural 'prenons'.
Est-ce que tu prends une moto en location ?
Are you renting a motorcycle?
Question using 'est-ce que'.
Elle ne prend pas de voiture en location.
She is not renting a car.
Negative construction 'ne... pas'.
Je prends ce bateau en location pour une heure.
I am renting this boat for one hour.
Uses 'pour' to indicate duration.
Ils prennent un garage en location.
They are renting a garage.
Third person plural 'prennent'.
Nous avons pris une voiture en location pour nos vacances.
We rented a car for our vacation.
Passé composé with 'avoir pris'.
C'est facile de prendre un appartement en location ici.
It is easy to rent an apartment here.
Uses 'C'est + adjective + de'.
Je vais prendre un utilitaire en location pour mon déménagement.
I am going to rent a van for my move.
Futur proche 'aller + infinitive'.
Avez-vous pris le matériel en location ?
Did you rent the equipment?
Inverted question in passé composé.
Elle préfère prendre un studio en location plutôt que d'aller à l'hôtel.
She prefers renting a studio rather than going to a hotel.
Comparison with 'plutôt que'.
On peut prendre des rollers en location au parc.
One can rent rollerblades at the park.
Uses 'On peut'.
Il a pris un box de stockage en location.
He rented a storage unit.
Passé composé.
Nous ne prenons jamais de voiture en location en ville.
We never rent a car in the city.
Negative 'ne... jamais'.
Si vous restez un mois, il vaut mieux prendre un appartement en location.
If you stay for a month, it's better to rent an apartment.
Hypothetical 'Si' clause + 'il vaut mieux'.
L'entreprise a décidé de prendre ses ordinateurs en location.
The company decided to rent its computers.
Verb 'décider de' + infinitive.
Je l'ai pris en location pour une durée de six mois.
I rented it for a period of six months.
Direct object pronoun 'l'' before the verb.
Il est souvent plus rentable de prendre du matériel professionnel en location.
It is often more profitable to rent professional equipment.
Comparative 'plus rentable de'.
Avant de prendre ce local en location, vérifiez l'état des lieux.
Before renting these premises, check the inventory of fixtures.
Preposition 'Avant de' + infinitive.
Nous prendrions bien une maison en location si le prix baissait.
We would like to rent a house if the price went down.
Conditional mood 'prendrions'.
Elle a dû prendre un costume en location pour la soirée.
She had to rent a costume for the party.
Modal 'devoir' in passé composé.
Est-ce possible de prendre cette voiture en location sans caution ?
Is it possible to rent this car without a deposit?
Question with 'Est-ce possible de'.
Il est impératif de prendre en location un groupe électrogène pour l'événement.
It is imperative to rent a generator for the event.
Formal expression 'Il est impératif de'.
L'association a pris en location un chapiteau pour son festival annuel.
The association rented a marquee for its annual festival.
Specific noun 'chapiteau'.
Bien que ce soit cher, ils ont pris ce bureau en location.
Although it is expensive, they rented this office.
Conjunction 'Bien que' + subjunctive.
La société prend systématiquement ses serveurs informatiques en location.
The company systematically rents its computer servers.
Use of adverb 'systématiquement'.
Avez-vous déjà envisagé de prendre un fonds de commerce en location-gérance ?
Have you ever considered taking over a business under a management lease?
Advanced business term 'location-gérance'.
Ce local a été pris en location par une agence de publicité.
These premises were rented by an advertising agency.
Passive voice construction.
Il est préférable de prendre en location une voiture hybride pour réduire les coûts.
It is preferable to rent a hybrid car to reduce costs.
Adjective 'préférable de'.
Nous ne pourrons pas prendre ce bâtiment en location sans garant.
We will not be able to rent this building without a guarantor.
Future tense of 'pouvoir'.
La décision de prendre en location plutôt que d'acquérir les actifs a été validée.
The decision to rent rather than acquire the assets has been validated.
Substantive use of infinitives.
L'État a pris en location plusieurs bâtiments pour loger les services administratifs.
The State rented several buildings to house administrative services.
Formal subject 'L'État'.
Il est rare qu'une entreprise de cette taille ne prenne pas ses véhicules en location.
It is rare for a company of this size not to rent its vehicles.
Negative subjunctive 'ne prenne pas'.
Le contrat stipule les conditions sous lesquelles le preneur peut prendre le bien en location.
The contract stipulates the conditions under which the lessee can rent the property.
Legal terminology 'stipule', 'preneur'.
Elle a pris en location une galerie d'art pour exposer ses œuvres éphémères.
She rented an art gallery to exhibit her ephemeral works.
Advanced vocabulary 'œuvres éphémères'.
La prise en location de ce terrain agricole est soumise à des règles strictes.
The renting of this agricultural land is subject to strict rules.
Noun phrase 'La prise en location'.
Nous avons pris en location un système de visioconférence de haute technologie.
We rented a high-tech videoconferencing system.
Compound object.
Ils auraient dû prendre en location un local plus spacieux dès le départ.
They should have rented more spacious premises from the start.
Past conditional 'auraient dû'.
L'optimisation fiscale passe parfois par le choix de prendre en location certains actifs stratégiques.
Tax optimization sometimes involves choosing to rent certain strategic assets.
High-level abstract concepts.
Nonobstant les coûts, la firme a persisté à prendre en location des bureaux en plein cœur de Paris.
Notwithstanding the costs, the firm persisted in renting offices in the heart of Paris.
Use of 'Nonobstant' and 'persister à'.
La complexité juridique de prendre en location un monument historique ne doit pas être sous-estimée.
The legal complexity of renting a historical monument must not be underestimated.
Complex subject phrase.
Il convient de s'interroger sur la pertinence de prendre en location du matériel dont l'obsolescence est rapide.
It is worth questioning the relevance of renting equipment that becomes obsolete quickly.
Formal 'Il convient de'.
La multinationale a pris en location l'intégralité de la tour pour une durée indéterminée.
The multinational rented the entire tower for an indefinite period.
Formal duration 'durée indéterminée'.
Le preneur s'engage à prendre en location le bien dans l'état où il se trouve.
The lessee agrees to rent the property in its current condition.
Legal formula 's'engage à'.
Prendre en location un navire de cette envergure nécessite des garanties bancaires solides.
Renting a ship of this scale requires solid bank guarantees.
Infinitive as a subject.
Quoi qu'on en dise, prendre en location reste une solution de souplesse inégalée pour les start-ups.
Whatever people say, renting remains an unmatched flexible solution for start-ups.
Concessive 'Quoi qu'on en dise'.
المرادفات
الأضداد
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— A polite way to express the desire to rent something, often used in emails.
Je souhaiterais prendre en location votre studio.
— The passive form, indicating that an item is currently rented out.
Tous les appartements ont été pris en location.
— To suggest the option of renting as a solution.
Il nous a proposé de prendre le matériel en location.
— To be in the process of looking for something to rent.
Elle cherche à prendre en location un petit bureau.
— To be unsure about whether to rent a specific item.
J'hésite à prendre cette voiture en location.
— To succeed in securing a rental, often after some difficulty.
Il a enfin réussi à prendre un appartement en location.
— To consider renting something as a future possibility.
Nous envisageons de prendre un utilitaire en location.
— To decline a rental offer or opportunity.
Elle a refusé de prendre ce local en location.
— To keep renting an item instead of buying it.
Ils continuent de prendre leur matériel en location.
— To eventually decide to rent something after considering other options.
Il a fini par prendre une petite voiture en location.
يُخلط عادةً مع
This means to rent OUT (landlord's perspective).
This refers to the result (a rental property) rather than the verb action.
This means to borrow for free.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— A specific legal idiom meaning to rent the right to manage a business.
Il a pris le café du coin en location-gérance.
legal/business— The act of starting a rental agreement or taking possession.
La prise en location est prévue pour lundi.
formal— To rent an apartment specifically with furniture included.
C'est plus simple de prendre en location meublée.
neutral— To rent an apartment without any furniture.
Il a préféré prendre l'appartement en location nue.
formal— To rent something on a weekly basis.
Nous prenons cet appartement en location à la semaine.
neutral— To rent something on a monthly basis.
Il est possible de prendre ce box en location au mois.
neutral— To rent something for a very low price (idiomatic).
Il a pris ce local en location pour une bouchée de pain.
informal— To rent something where everything is ready for immediate use.
Nous avons pris des bureaux clés en main.
business— To rent a vehicle that includes a professional driver.
Ils ont pris une limousine en location avec chauffeur.
formal— To rent directly from an owner without an agency.
J'ai pris cet appartement en location de particulier à particulier.
neutralسهل الخلط
It can mean 'to rent' or 'to rent out'.
Prendre en location is specific to the tenant; louer is ambiguous without context.
J'ai loué ma voiture (Did I rent it or rent it out?). J'ai pris une voiture en location (I rented it).
Sounds like English 'location' (place).
French 'location' means 'rental'; English 'location' is 'emplacement' in French.
La location est chère (The rent is expensive).
Often associated with renting.
Bail is the noun (lease); prendre en location is the verb phrase (to rent).
Je signe le bail pour prendre l'appartement en location.
Opposite of borrowing.
Prêter is to lend (for free); prendre en location is to rent (for money).
Il m'a prêté son vélo (Free). J'ai pris un vélo en location (Paid).
Also means to rent.
Affréter is only for large transport (ships/planes); prendre en location is for anything.
On affrète un avion, mais on prend une voiture en location.
أنماط الجُمل
Je veux prendre [objet] en location.
Je veux prendre un vélo en location.
J'ai pris [objet] en location.
J'ai pris une voiture en location.
Il est préférable de prendre [objet] en location.
Il est préférable de prendre ce matériel en location.
L'entreprise a décidé de prendre [objet] en location.
L'entreprise a décidé de prendre ses bureaux en location.
La prise en location de [objet] est [adjectif].
La prise en location de ce local est coûteuse.
Nonobstant le coût, prendre en location [objet] s'avère stratégique.
Nonobstant le coût, prendre en location ces actifs s'avère stratégique.
Si j'avais su, j'aurais pris [objet] en location.
Si j'avais su, j'aurais pris une voiture en location.
Est-ce que vous prenez [objet] en location ?
Est-ce que vous prenez des skis en location ?
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Common in professional, travel, and administrative contexts.
-
Je mets une voiture en location (when you want to rent one).
→
Je prends une voiture en location.
'Mettre' is for the owner/landlord. 'Prendre' is for the customer/tenant. Using the wrong one changes the whole meaning.
-
Je prends à location un vélo.
→
Je prends en location un vélo.
The preposition is fixed. It must always be 'en'. Using 'à' or 'pour' is a common grammatical error for English speakers.
-
J'ai prendu une voiture en location.
→
J'ai pris une voiture en location.
'Prendre' has an irregular past participle: 'pris'. 'Prendu' does not exist in French.
-
La location de cet hôtel est près de la plage.
→
L'emplacement de cet hôtel est près de la plage.
'Location' means rental, not place. This is a false friend. Use 'emplacement' or 'situation' for physical position.
-
Je veux emprunter une voiture à l'agence.
→
Je veux prendre une voiture en location à l'agence.
'Emprunter' is for borrowing for free (like a library book). If you are paying money, you must use a rental term.
نصائح
Master 'Prendre'
Since the phrase relies on the verb 'prendre', make sure you know its irregular forms in all tenses. Practice 'pris' (past participle) and 'prenne' (subjunctive) as these are common in rental contexts.
Think 'Car Rental'
The best way to remember this phrase is to associate it with an airport car rental desk. It's the most common place you'll hear and use it as a traveler.
False Friend Alert
Never use 'location' to mean 'place'. If you say 'Quelle est la location?', a French person will think you're asking 'What is the rental?'. Use 'Où est-ce?' instead.
Be Professional
Use 'prendre en location' when writing emails to landlords or rental agencies. It shows you have a serious and advanced command of the language.
Nasal 'En'
The 'en' in 'en location' is a nasal vowel. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth; the air should come through your nose. Practice saying 'ɑ̃' like in 'enfant'.
The Tenant Rule
Always remember: 'Prendre' (to take) = Tenant. 'Mettre' (to put) = Landlord. This simple rule will save you from many embarrassing misunderstandings.
Avoid Ambiguity
If you are telling a story and want to be clear that you didn't own the car you were driving, use 'prendre en location'. It makes the narrative much clearer for the listener.
Leasing vs. Renting
In a business context, 'prendre en location' can often be translated as 'to lease'. It implies a more formal and long-term arrangement than just a quick rental.
Check the 'Bail'
When you 'prendre en location' an apartment, you will sign a 'bail'. Keep these two words together in your mind as they are part of the same process.
Short Term vs Long Term
While 'louer' is fine for a 10-minute bike ride, use 'prendre en location' for anything that involves a contract or a duration of more than a day.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'Taking' (Prendre) 'In' (En) 'Lo-Cash' (Location). You take it because you have 'low cash' and can't afford to buy it!
ربط بصري
Imagine someone 'taking' (grabbing) a set of keys that are attached to a sign saying 'RENTAL ONLY'.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to write three sentences about your next vacation: one about a car you will prendre en location, one about an apartment, and one about a bike.
أصل الكلمة
The phrase comes from the verb 'prendre' (Latin 'prehendere', to seize/take) and the noun 'location' (Latin 'locatio', a placing/leasing).
المعنى الأصلي: Literally 'to take into a leased state'.
Romance (Latin roots).السياق الثقافي
Always ensure you are using 'prendre' and not 'mettre' to avoid sounding like you are the landlord.
In English, we use 'rent' for everything. In French, 'prendre en location' is the specific 'tenant' side of the coin.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
At a car rental agency
- Je voudrais prendre en location une voiture.
- Quels documents faut-il pour prendre en location ?
- Est-il possible de prendre en location un GPS ?
- Je prends la voiture en location pour trois jours.
Real estate office
- Je cherche à prendre un studio en location.
- Quelles sont les conditions pour prendre en location ?
- Je souhaite prendre cet appartement en location meublée.
- Est-ce que ce local est déjà pris en location ?
Professional equipment shop
- L'entreprise doit prendre une pelleteuse en location.
- Peut-on prendre ce matériel en location à la journée ?
- Je prends en location une ponceuse pour le week-end.
- Quel est le tarif pour prendre en location ce groupe électrogène ?
Vacation planning
- On va prendre un bateau en location demain.
- Est-ce moins cher de prendre des skis en location en ligne ?
- Nous avons pris un vélo en location pour visiter l'île.
- Ils ont pris une villa en location saisonnière.
Business strategy meeting
- Nous devrions prendre nos serveurs en location.
- Prendre en location permet de préserver notre trésorerie.
- Le choix de prendre en location les véhicules est stratégique.
- Il est plus souple de prendre les bureaux en location.
بدايات محادثة
"Avez-vous déjà dû prendre une voiture en location à l'étranger ?"
"Préférez-vous acheter votre matériel ou le prendre en location ?"
"Est-il difficile de prendre un appartement en location dans votre ville ?"
"Pensez-vous qu'il soit rentable de prendre en location un vélo électrique ?"
"Quel est l'objet le plus étrange que vous ayez jamais pris en location ?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Décrivez votre expérience la dernière fois que vous avez dû prendre une voiture en location.
Quels sont les avantages de prendre son logement en location plutôt que de l'acheter ?
Imaginez que vous devez prendre en location un château pour une fête. Décrivez les préparatifs.
Si vous deviez prendre en location un équipement professionnel pour un nouveau hobby, que choisiriez-vous ?
Analysez pourquoi de plus en plus d'entreprises préfèrent prendre leur matériel informatique en location.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةTechnically yes, but it sounds very formal. For digital items like movies or songs, the simple verb 'louer' or 'acheter' is much more natural in daily conversation. You would typically use 'prendre en location' for physical assets like cars or apartments.
'Louer' is a general term that can mean both renting from someone and renting to someone. 'Prendre en location' is specific and formal, indicating that you are the one paying to use the item (the tenant or customer). It removes the ambiguity found in 'louer'.
In slang, French speakers often shorten 'location' to 'loc'. So you might hear 'prendre en loc' or 'avoir une caisse en loc'. However, the full phrase 'prendre en location' is generally reserved for standard or formal speech.
You only conjugate the verb 'prendre'. The words 'en location' never change. For example: 'Je prends en location', 'Nous prenons en location', 'J'ai pris en location'. 'Prendre' is an irregular third-group verb, so be sure to learn its forms carefully.
No, that is incorrect. The preposition used in this fixed phrase is always 'en'. Saying 'prendre à location' or 'prendre pour location' would be a grammatical error that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Both exist but mean slightly different things. 'Prendre une location' means to take a specific rental unit (e.g., 'I took a holiday rental'). 'Prendre en location' is the verbal action of renting something (e.g., 'I am renting this car'). 'En location' is more common for the action itself.
Use 'affréter' when you are renting a large-scale transport vehicle, such as a cargo ship, a private jet, or a bus for a large group. For a standard car, bicycle, or apartment, 'prendre en location' is the correct choice.
No. This is a classic 'false friend'. In French, 'location' always refers to renting. If you want to talk about a place or position, you should use words like 'lieu', 'endroit', 'emplacement', or 'situation'.
Pronouns go before the verb 'prendre'. For example: 'Je la prends en location' (I am renting it). In the past tense: 'Je l'ai prise en location'. Remember to agree the past participle 'prise' with the feminine object 'la'.
Yes, it is extremely common. Businesses use it to discuss leasing equipment, office space, or vehicle fleets. It sounds much more professional than 'louer' and is the standard terminology in contracts and financial discussions.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
Translate: 'I am renting a bike.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We rented a car.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'They prefer to rent their equipment.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The company rents its offices in Paris.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It is essential to rent a generator.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Do you rent a car?' (tu)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She is going to rent a studio.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I would rent a house if possible.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We have taken the premises under a lease.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The renting of the land is regulated.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He rents a room.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Did you rent the skis?' (vous)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It is cheaper to rent online.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The association rented a marquee.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The firm decided to rent its servers.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We rent a boat.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I didn't rent a car.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Why rent this apartment?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'They systematically rent their fleet.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The contract allows for renting.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce: 'Je prends une voiture en location.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'Nous avons pris un vélo en location.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Explain the difference between 'louer' and 'prendre en location' in French.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Roleplay: Ask a rental agent for a car with automatic transmission using the phrase.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Discuss the advantages of 'prendre en location' for a start-up.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'location'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'Ils prennent en location'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'Je prendrais en location'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'Location avec option d'achat'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'La prise en location d'actifs stratégiques'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'en location'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'J'ai pris'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'du matériel professionnel'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'un groupe électrogène'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'nonobstant les coûts'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'un appartement'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'pour les vacances'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'un utilitaire'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'location-gérance'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Pronounce: 'une assurance spécifique'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Listen and identify the object: 'J'ai pris une voiture en location.'
Listen and identify the tense: 'Nous prendrons le matériel en location.'
Listen and identify the reason: 'Il a pris un utilitaire pour son déménagement.'
Listen and identify the number of bikes: 'Je prends deux vélos en location.'
Listen and identify the subject: 'La firme a pris en location des serveurs.'
Listen and identify the duration: 'Nous avons pris la voiture pour trois jours.'
Listen and identify the location: 'J'ai pris un studio à Nice.'
Listen and identify the person: 'L'agent m'a proposé de prendre en location.'
Listen and identify the document: 'Le bail a été signé hier.'
Listen and identify the mood: 'Je prendrais bien un vélo.'
Listen and identify the object: 'Est-ce que vous prenez des skis ?'
Listen and identify the negation: 'Nous ne prenons pas de voiture.'
Listen and identify the adjective: 'Une prise en location immédiate.'
Listen and identify the verb: 'Ils ont pris un bateau.'
Listen and identify the price note: 'C'est trop cher.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase 'prendre en location' is your go-to expression for formally renting an item or property. Unlike 'louer', it strictly places you in the role of the tenant. Example: 'J'ai pris une voiture en location pour le week-end.'
- A formal way to say 'to rent' as a tenant, avoiding the ambiguity of the verb 'louer' which can also mean 'to rent out'.
- Commonly used for significant rentals like cars, apartments, and professional equipment in formal or business contexts.
- Follows the irregular conjugation of 'prendre' followed by the fixed phrase 'en location', which never changes form.
- Essential for navigating French bureaucracy, travel arrangements, and legal contracts where precise terminology is required.
Master 'Prendre'
Since the phrase relies on the verb 'prendre', make sure you know its irregular forms in all tenses. Practice 'pris' (past participle) and 'prenne' (subjunctive) as these are common in rental contexts.
Think 'Car Rental'
The best way to remember this phrase is to associate it with an airport car rental desk. It's the most common place you'll hear and use it as a traveler.
False Friend Alert
Never use 'location' to mean 'place'. If you say 'Quelle est la location?', a French person will think you're asking 'What is the rental?'. Use 'Où est-ce?' instead.
Be Professional
Use 'prendre en location' when writing emails to landlords or rental agencies. It shows you have a serious and advanced command of the language.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات travel
à bord de
B1على متن سفينة أو طائرة أو مركبة أخرى.
à destination de
B1متجه إلى؛ مخصص لـ.
à l'étranger
A2في الخارج أو إلى الخارج.
à pied
A2التنقل باستخدام القدمين بدلاً من السيارة أو الحافلة.
à quel prix
B1يعني 'بأي ثمن' أو 'بأي تكلفة'، ويسأل عن المبلغ المالي أو التضحيات اللازمة.
à vélo
B1التنقل باستخدام الدراجة الهوائية.
aboutissement
B1النقطة النهائية لرحلة طويلة أو مشروع.
accès
A2الوصول إلى الإنترنت محدود في هذه المنطقة.
accès à bord
B1فعل الصعود إلى مركبة، مثل حافلة أو قطار أو طائرة. / اللحظة التي يُسمح فيها للركاب بالدخول إلى وسيلة نقل.
accès internet
B1الوصول إلى الإنترنت.