Meaning
To be popular or trendy at a particular time.
Cultural Background
Fashion is a national pride. Being 'à la mode' is a common topic of conversation in social settings. The phrase is used exactly the same way as in France, though 'tendance' is also very common in media. The French language is widely used, and 'à la mode' is understood in urban centers to describe modern fashion. Similar to France, it is used in both casual and professional settings to discuss trends.
Don't overthink it
It's a very simple phrase. Just remember: 'à la mode' = 'in style'.
Food context
Avoid using this for food unless you are talking about a trendy dish, not ice cream!
Meaning
To be popular or trendy at a particular time.
Don't overthink it
It's a very simple phrase. Just remember: 'à la mode' = 'in style'.
Food context
Avoid using this for food unless you are talking about a trendy dish, not ice cream!
Use it with 'être'
It almost always follows the verb 'être'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Ces lunettes sont ______ en ce moment.
The fixed idiom is 'à la mode'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom requires the full 'à la mode' structure.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu aimes ce pantalon ? B: Oui, il est très ______.
The context implies a positive trend.
Match the situation to the comment.
Someone asks about a new phone model.
Asking about a new model often relates to it being trendy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCes lunettes sont ______ en ce moment.
The fixed idiom is 'à la mode'.
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom requires the full 'à la mode' structure.
A: Tu aimes ce pantalon ? B: Oui, il est très ______.
The context implies a positive trend.
Someone asks about a new phone model.
Asking about a new model often relates to it being trendy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Il est à la mode' to mean he is trendy.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues.
No, 'à la mode' is invariable.
The opposite is 'démodé'.
Yes, 'Cette idée est à la mode' is perfectly correct.
They are synonyms, but 'tendance' is more common in modern media.
Because 'mode' is a feminine noun.
Yes, it is used throughout the French-speaking world.
Yes, that is a very common way to use it.
It means 'trendy', which is related to modern, but they are not interchangeable.
Related Phrases
Être tendance
synonymTo be trendy
Être dans le vent
similarTo be in the wind/trendy
Démodé
contrastOut of style
Le dernier cri
similarThe latest thing
