“To Take” vs “To Bring” in Italian
The English verbs “to take” and “to bring” are translated in Italian as prendere and portare respectively. However, while in English the distinction can sometimes be blurry, Italian typically maintains a clearer separation between the two actions.
The basic meanings still overlap, but Italian might require a deeper understanding of the context. For instance, the main difference between prendere and portare lies in the direction of the action.
I always tell my students that portare involves an action that moves towards a direction, while prendere is more neutral and merely focused on the act of acquiring something:
Puoi prendere il libro e portarlo qui?
Can you take the book and bring it here?
In this sentence, prendere refers to the action of taking the book from a location, while portarlo refers to bringing it to the speaker’s location.
An important aspect I want you to understand is that not all words have direct translations in all languages: in fact, it is true that “to take” and “to bring” can be translated in different ways in Italian, but so is the opposite.
By this I mean that both portare and prendere can take on different meanings in English, depending on what the Italian sentence aims at conveying.
“To Bring” and “To Take” in Italian
Prendere
The verb prendere is the most literal translation of “to take” in Italian. It is typically used when the subject is grabbing, collecting, or taking hold of something.
Devo prendere il treno.
I have to take the train.
However, there are also other ways in which prendere can be translated in English, for instance “to catch”, “to grab”, or simply “to get”.
- to catch: when it relates to catching something, such as a train, bus, or an object.
Se non corri, non prenderai l’autobus.
If you don’t run, you won’t catch the bus.
Prendi la palla!
Catch the ball!
- to grab: in the context of quick actions like grabbing a bite to eat or picking something up.
Vado a prendere un caffè.
I’m going to grab a coffee.
- to get: when discussing obtaining something or acquiring something that isn’t necessarily physical.
Prendo una pizza per cena.
I’ll get a pizza for dinner.
Portare
While prendere is focused on taking something away from a location, portare serves the opposite function, meaning “to bring”. It often implies movement toward a specific destination or person.
It conveys the idea of transporting or carrying something or someone, whether that be from one place to another or in a figurative sense.
Puoi portare una bottiglia di vino alla festa?
Can you bring a bottle of wine to the party?
Just like with prendere, also portare can be translated with different verbs in English, for example “to carry”, or “to wear” in the case of clothing or accessories.
- to carry: when you are physically transporting something.
Sto portando la valigia in camera.
I’m carrying the suitcase to the bedroom.
- to wear: when it describes the act of wearing or carrying something on one’s body.
Di solito porto gli occhiali.
I usually wear glasses.
Extended Uses
Both prendere and portare are commonly used in idiomatic expressions in Italian, where their meaning is expanded beyond literal actions, for example:
- Prendere il sole (to sunbathe):
Oggi vado in spiaggia a prendere il sole.
Today I’m going to the beach to sunbathe.
- Prendere in giro (to mock or make fun of someone):
Non prendere in giro tuo fratello!
Don’t make fun of your brother!
- Prendere una decisione (to make a decision):
Devo prendere una decisione importante.
I have to make an important decision.
- Prendere una botta (to get hit, either physically or emotionally)
Ho preso una botta in testa.
I got hit in the head.
- Prendere piede (to catch on or become popular)
Questa moda sta prendendo piede tra i giovani.
This trend is catching on among young people.
- Prendere un’opportunità (to take an opportunity):
Prendi l’occasione al volo.
Take the opportunity while you can.
- Portare s/fortuna (to bring good/bad luck):
Si dice che questo amuleto porti fortuna.
They say this amulet brings good luck.
- Portare pazienza (to be patient, to bear with something):
Devi portare pazienza, tutto si risolverà.
You have to be patient, everything will work out.
- Portare avanti (to carry on, to move forward):
Sto portando avanti il mio progetto di ricerca.
I am carrying on with my research project.
- Portare a termine (to complete or finish something):
Sono riuscito a portare a termine il lavoro.
I managed to complete the work.
- Portare rancore (to hold a grudge against someone):
Non portare rancore per quello che è successo.
Don’t hold a grudge for what happened.
