prendre des notes

You treat the verb prendre like any other verb. It changes based on who is doing the action. You can say je prends, tu prends, or nous prenons. Always keep des notes plural for the general activity. If you only write one thing, use une note. It is a very flexible and handy phrase.

Use this in any professional or academic setting. It is perfect for a university lecture. You can use it at a doctor's appointment too. Use it when a friend gives you a long list. It works well when you are learning a new language. It shows you are paying close attention to details.

Do not use it for creative writing or journaling. If you are writing a letter, use écrire. Avoid it if you are just doodling on paper. It implies you are recording specific, useful information. Don't use it for long-form essays either. It is strictly for short, summarized points.

French culture places a high value on organization. In schools, students are taught specific note-taking styles early on. You will often see French people with beautiful stationery. Taking notes shows you are serious and respectful. It is a sign of a disciplined and sharp mind. Even in casual settings, being organized is quite admired.

You might hear people say noter quelque chose. This is more about writing one specific detail. Another variation is faire une prise de notes. This sounds a bit more technical or professional. You can also say griffonner if you are scribbling quickly. But prendre des notes remains the most common choice.