prendre acte de
To be questioned
Literally: To take act of
Use it to acknowledge a fact or decision formally without showing your hand or committing to action.
In 15 Seconds
- To officially acknowledge or take note of something.
- A formal way to say 'noted' without necessarily agreeing.
- Common in professional, legal, or serious personal contexts.
Meaning
This phrase means you are acknowledging or 'taking note' of something someone said or did. It implies you've received the information, but you aren't necessarily agreeing with it or promising to act on it yet.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Nous prenons acte de vos remarques sur le budget.
We take note of your remarks regarding the budget.
A breakup or serious talk
Je prends acte de ta volonté de rompre.
I acknowledge your desire to break up.
A formal email response
J'ai bien pris acte de votre candidature.
I have duly noted your application.
Cultural Background
Originating from French legal terminology (notarial acts), this phrase reflects the French appreciation for administrative precision. It became a staple of political discourse, often used by ministers to acknowledge a situation without committing to a specific policy change.
The 'Neutral' Shield
Use this phrase when you disagree but don't want to fight. It's a polite way to stop talking without giving in.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this too much in casual settings, people might think you are being robotic or passive-aggressive.
In 15 Seconds
- To officially acknowledge or take note of something.
- A formal way to say 'noted' without necessarily agreeing.
- Common in professional, legal, or serious personal contexts.
What It Means
Think of prendre acte de as the ultimate poker face in French conversation. It means you have officially recorded a piece of information in your brain. You are saying, "I hear you, and I acknowledge this fact exists." It is more than just hearing; it is a formal recognition. However, it is famously non-committal. You aren't saying "yes" or "no." You are just saying "noted."
How To Use It
You use it like a regular verb. Follow it with a noun or a fact. For example, Je prends acte de votre décision. It sounds very polished. Use it when you want to show you are paying attention. It works best when someone gives you news or a final answer. It is like hitting the "Read Receipt" on a text message. You are confirming delivery of the message without writing a long reply.
When To Use It
This is a star in professional settings. Use it in meetings when a colleague makes a point. It is great for politics or legal discussions too. In daily life, use it to end a circular argument. If your friend says they are moving out, you can prendre acte. It shows you respect the weight of their words. It is perfect for moments that require a bit of gravitas.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your toddler or your cat. It is far too stiff for casual, cozy moments. If your partner says "I love you," do not reply with J'en prends acte. You will be sleeping on the couch. Avoid it when a simple merci or d'accord will do. It can sound cold if used with close friends. It feels like you are opening a legal file on them.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of French law and bureaucracy. In a courtroom, a clerk "takes act" of a testimony to make it official. The French love their administrative history. Using this phrase makes you sound like a sophisticated citizen of the Republic. It reflects the French value of formal clarity in communication. It is about making things "official" even in conversation.
Common Variations
Sometimes you will hear dont acte. This is a very old-school, punchy way to say "let it be noted." You might also see prendre note de. That one is a bit softer and more common in casual offices. If you want to be even more formal, try donner acte. This means one person officially acknowledges what another has said. But for 90% of your life, prendre acte is the one you need.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal/neutral register. It is the gold standard for professional emails and serious discussions where you need to remain objective.
The 'Neutral' Shield
Use this phrase when you disagree but don't want to fight. It's a polite way to stop talking without giving in.
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this too much in casual settings, people might think you are being robotic or passive-aggressive.
The Politician's Favorite
French politicians use this constantly to avoid answering 'Yes' or 'No' to difficult questions.
Examples
6Nous prenons acte de vos remarques sur le budget.
We take note of your remarks regarding the budget.
Shows professional acknowledgement of feedback.
Je prends acte de ta volonté de rompre.
I acknowledge your desire to break up.
Very heavy and serious; shows the decision is heard.
J'ai bien pris acte de votre candidature.
I have duly noted your application.
Standard polite phrasing for HR or admissions.
Je prends acte que tu es encore en retard !
I'm taking note of the fact that you're late again!
Using a formal phrase for a trivial matter creates humor.
Le gouvernement prend acte du résultat du vote.
The government acknowledges the result of the vote.
Classic neutral stance in public speaking.
Ok, je prends acte pour la vaisselle.
Ok, noted about the dishes.
Slightly dramatic way to say 'I got it'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to acknowledge a decision in a meeting.
Le directeur ___ acte de votre démission ce matin.
The standard expression is 'prendre acte de'.
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
Nous ___ acte de vos conditions.
Matches the subject 'Nous' in the present tense.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Noted'
Casual/Daily
With friends
Neutral/Office
With a boss
Formal/Legal
In a contract
When to use 'Prendre Acte'
Job Interview
Acknowledging salary terms
Debate
Acknowledging an opponent's point
Official Letter
Confirming receipt of a complaint
Serious Conflict
Accepting a final boundary
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It simply means you acknowledge the fact exists. You can prendre acte of something you hate.
It's similar, but prendre acte is much more formal and official. Noter is just writing it down; prendre acte is validating its existence.
Yes, but only if the topic is serious or if you are being slightly ironic. For example: Je prends acte de ton retard.
It uses 'avoir' as the auxiliary: J'ai pris acte. Example: J'ai pris acte de sa décision.
In very formal writing, you might see Dont acte, which basically means 'Let it be recorded as such.'
You can, but it sounds a bit cold. If a friend wins the lottery, don't say Je prends acte; say Félicitations!
Yes, it is common across the French-speaking world, especially in legal and professional contexts.
Forgetting the de. You must always prendre acte DE something. Don't say Je prends acte le message.
Only if there is a serious problem. If the waiter says they are out of steak, saying Je prends acte sounds very dramatic.
No. It specifically avoids promising action. It's just the first step: recognition.
Related Phrases
C'est noté
Prendre note de
Dont acte
Accuser réception
Tenir compte de
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