prendre en compte

You use this phrase just like the verb prendre. It is a standard -re verb, so it conjugates normally. You usually follow it with a noun or a noun phrase. For example, Je prends en compte ton avis (I am taking your opinion into consideration). You can also use it in the past tense to show that a decision was well-thought-out: J'ai pris en compte tous les risques. It is a very sturdy, reliable phrase that fits into almost any sentence structure. Just remember to keep the en in the middle; it acts as the bridge between the action and the result.

This is your go-to phrase for professional and personal planning. In a business meeting, it makes you sound organized and respectful of others' input. 'We must prendre en compte the budget.' At home, it shows you are a considerate friend or partner. If you're choosing a movie, you might prendre en compte the fact that your friend hates horror films. It is also perfect for giving feedback or explaining why you made a certain choice. It is the ultimate 'adulting' phrase because it shows you are looking at the big picture.

Don't use this for simple, physical actions. You don't prendre en compte a fork to eat your cake. That would sound like you're performing a scientific study on the fork. Also, avoid using it when you just mean 'to realize.' For that, you want se rendre compte. If you say Je me prends en compte, you're saying you're taking yourself into consideration, which sounds a bit like a self-help mantra. Finally, don't use it for 'to understand.' It’s about the *application* of knowledge, not just the grasp of it.

French culture places a high value on 'la logique' and 'la synthèse.' From a young age, French students are taught to weigh different arguments before reaching a conclusion. This phrase is a linguistic reflection of that mindset. It’s part of the 'Cartesian' spirit—named after René Descartes—where everything is analyzed and accounted for. Using this phrase correctly makes you sound like someone who values reason and balance. It’s the verbal equivalent of a perfectly balanced scale.

The most common variation is tenir compte de. It is slightly more formal and literally means 'to hold account of.' While prendre en compte feels like the act of *starting* to consider something, tenir compte de feels like you are *maintaining* that consideration throughout a process. You might also hear considérer, but that is often too simple. If you want to sound like a true local, stick with prendre en compte for your daily deliberations.