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A2 noun #3,000 most common 7 min read

agenda

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips agenda in 30 Seconds

Explanation agenda in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'un agenda' is a book or an app where you write your appointments. It is a masculine noun. You use it with simple verbs like 'avoir' (to have) or 'regarder' (to look at). For example: 'J'ai un agenda' (I have a planner). You might use it to talk about basic dates and times. It is one of the first words you learn when talking about school supplies or office objects. Remember the 'a' at the end doesn't make it feminine; it is always 'le' or 'un'. At this stage, just focus on the physical object. If you have a French class, your teacher might ask you to write the date in your agenda. It is a very helpful word for organizing your daily life in a French-speaking country. You can also use it to express that you are busy in a very simple way: 'Mon agenda est plein'. This level focuses on the basic identification and possession of the object.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'agenda' in more functional sentences. You can talk about making appointments: 'Prendre rendez-vous dans l'agenda'. You understand that 'agenda' is used for both paper diaries and digital calendar apps on your phone. You should be able to ask someone else to check their schedule: 'Est-ce que tu peux regarder dans ton agenda ?'. You also start to see the difference between an 'agenda' and a 'calendrier'. A 'calendrier' shows the months and days for everyone, while your 'agenda' is just for you. You might describe your agenda using adjectives like 'chargé' (busy/full) or 'vide' (empty). This level also introduces the school context more deeply, where students use an agenda to manage multiple subjects. You are expected to use the correct prepositions, such as 'dans mon agenda' (in my planner). You can now describe a sequence of events using your agenda as a reference point.

At the B1 level, you use 'agenda' to manage more complex professional and social interactions. You can discuss 'partager son agenda' (sharing one's calendar) in a workplace setting. You are aware of the 'false friend' trap: in English, 'agenda' means the list of things to discuss in a meeting, but in French, you know to use 'ordre du jour' for that. You can participate in meetings where the 'agenda' (the schedule of events) is discussed. You might use the word to talk about time management strategies, such as 'gérer son agenda' (managing one's schedule). You understand the nuance of 'un agenda de ministre', an idiom meaning someone is extremely busy. Your vocabulary around the word expands to include related terms like 'créneau' (a time slot). You can write emails proposing meetings based on your agenda's availability. This level requires a more fluid use of the word in professional correspondence and social planning.

At the B2 level, you understand the broader implications of the word 'agenda' in corporate and political contexts. You can follow discussions about 'l'agenda politique' (the political timeline or priorities) or 'l'agenda social'. You are comfortable using the word metaphorically to describe a person's priorities or 'hidden intentions' (though you know 'intentions cachées' is more common, you recognize 'agenda caché' when used). You can argue for better organizational systems at work, using 'agenda' as a key term. You understand how an agenda can be 'surchargé' (overloaded) and can discuss the stress related to a busy schedule. You can use formal verbs like 'consigner' (to record/log) instead of just 'noter'. You also understand the cultural significance of the 'agenda scolaire' in French society and how it shapes organizational habits from childhood. Your use of the word is precise, and you no longer confuse it with 'ordre du jour' even in high-pressure situations.

At the C1 level, you grasp the subtle nuances of 'agenda' in specialized fields. In public policy, you might discuss 'la mise à l'agenda' (agenda-setting), which refers to how a social problem becomes a political priority. You can analyze the 'agenda' of a historical figure or a political movement with depth. You understand the stylistic choice of using 'agenda' over 'calendrier' or 'planning' to convey personal agency over time. You can use the word in complex idiomatic ways and understand its role in bureaucratic language. You are sensitive to the anglicisms that sometimes creep into French business language regarding this word. You can write sophisticated essays or reports where 'l'agenda' represents a strategic timeline. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the nasal 'en' sound, and you can use the word in high-level debates about work-life balance and the 'dictature de l'agenda' (the tyranny of the schedule).

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'agenda' and its place in the French linguistic landscape. You can identify historical shifts in the word's meaning, from its Latin roots to its modern digital iterations. You can use it in literary or philosophical contexts, perhaps discussing the 'agenda' as a tool of self-construction or a record of a life lived. You are an expert at navigating the 'false friend' nuances between French and English, even in the most technical legal or diplomatic settings where the distinction between 'agenda' and 'ordre du jour' is critical. You can pun with the word or use it in wordplay. You understand the sociological implications of 'l'agenda' in different cultures and can discuss how the French approach to scheduling differs from other nations. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can use it to express the most complex temporal concepts.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

agenda in 30 Seconds

Un agenda est un outil pour noter ses rendez-vous.
Il peut être en papier ou sur un téléphone.
C'est un nom masculin : UN agenda.
Attention : ce n'est pas la liste des sujets d'une réunion (ordre du jour).

The French word agenda is a masculine noun that primarily refers to a physical or digital tool used for organizing one's time, appointments, and tasks. While it shares the same spelling as the English word 'agenda', its usage in French is more specific and frequently serves as a 'false friend' for English speakers. In English, an agenda is most commonly the list of items to be discussed at a meeting. In French, this specific meeting list is called an ordre du jour. The French agenda is your personal diary, your planner, or your calendar app where you record your life's schedule.

The Physical Object: Traditionally, an agenda was a small book with dates and spaces for writing. Every French student is familiar with the 'agenda scolaire', a vital tool for recording homework and exam dates. In a professional context, it represents the backbone of productivity.
The Digital Transition: Today, 'agenda' frequently refers to digital calendars like Google Calendar or Outlook. When a colleague says, 'Je t’envoie une invitation dans ton agenda,' they are referring to your digital scheduling system.
Metaphorical Busy-ness: The word also carries weight regarding a person's social or professional status. A 'chargé' or 'surbooké' agenda implies importance and a high level of responsibility.

J'ai noté notre rendez-vous dans mon agenda pour ne pas l'oublier.

Son agenda est tellement plein qu'il n'a plus une minute à lui.

Est-ce que tu as ton agenda sous la main pour vérifier tes disponibilités ?

L'étudiant a acheté un nouvel agenda pour la rentrée scolaire.

Il consulte son agenda électronique tous les matins avant de commencer à travailler.

Cultural Nuance: In France, the 'agenda' is often seen as a personal reflection of one's organizational style. Some prefer minimalist paper versions, while others use complex digital systems.

Using the word agenda correctly involves understanding its role as a container for time. You don't just 'have' an agenda; you 'consult' it, 'fill' it, or 'check' it. It is the central hub for any planning activity in French-speaking environments.

Verbs Commonly Used with Agenda: The most common verbs are 'consulter' (to check), 'noter' (to write down), 'remplir' (to fill), and 'gérer' (to manage). For example, 'Je dois consulter mon agenda avant de te répondre' (I need to check my planner before answering you).

Elle a noté le rendez-vous chez le dentiste dans son agenda.

In a work environment, you might hear about 'partager son agenda' (sharing one's calendar), which is a standard practice for coordinating meetings among team members. If someone says 'Mon agenda est bouclé', it means their schedule is completely full and no more appointments can be added.

Nous utilisons un agenda partagé pour coordonner nos réunions d'équipe.

Peux-tu regarder dans ton agenda si tu es libre mardi prochain ?

Prepositions: We usually use 'dans' (in) with agenda. 'C'est écrit dans mon agenda'. Sometimes 'sur' is used for digital interfaces, but 'dans' remains the most natural choice for both paper and digital versions.

Il n'y a plus de place dans mon agenda pour de nouveaux projets cette semaine.

Vérifie bien ton agenda avant de confirmer la date du mariage.

The word agenda is ubiquitous in French daily life, spanning from the classroom to the high-stakes boardroom. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its various connotations.

In Schools: From a young age, French children are taught to use an 'agenda'. It is the primary tool for academic success. Teachers will often say, 'Sortez vos agendas' (Take out your planners) to note down homework. It is a rite of passage to choose a stylish agenda at the beginning of the school year.
In the Office: Professionals live by their agendas. You'll hear phrases like 'Je vais caler ça dans mon agenda' (I'll fit that into my schedule). The 'agenda de la direction' (management's schedule) is often a closely guarded and highly complex document managed by executive assistants.

Le professeur demande aux élèves de sortir leur agenda pour noter les devoirs de français.

L'assistante de direction gère l'agenda du PDG avec une grande précision.

You will also hear it in social settings. When planning a dinner with friends, someone might say, 'Attends, je regarde mon agenda'. Even in a world of smartphones, the word 'agenda' remains the standard term for the app itself.

On peut essayer de se voir le week-end prochain, je vérifie mon agenda et je te dis.

La conférence a été ajoutée à l'agenda culturel de la ville.

Il a perdu son agenda papier et il ne sait plus quand sont ses prochains rendez-vous.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with the word agenda is using it to mean a 'list of meeting topics'. This is a classic 'faux-ami'.

The 'Ordre du Jour' Trap: If you say, 'Voici l'agenda de la réunion', a French person will likely think you are showing them the physical planner for the meeting or perhaps the schedule of when the meeting starts and ends, but not the specific topics to be discussed. To refer to the topics, you must use l'ordre du jour.
Hidden Agenda: In English, we often speak of a 'hidden agenda'. While 'agenda caché' is sometimes used in French (influenced by English), it is more natural to say 'des intentions cachées' or 'un plan secret'. Using 'agenda' here can sound slightly anglicized.

Faux : Quel est l'agenda de la réunion ?
Juste : Quel est l'ordre du jour de la réunion ?

Additionally, avoid using 'agenda' when you mean 'timetable' in a school context. For a recurring weekly schedule of classes, use emploi du temps. 'Agenda' is for specific dates and appointments, not the general structure of your week.

Faux : Mon agenda de cours dit que j'ai maths à 10h.
Juste : Mon emploi du temps dit que j'ai maths à 10h.

Ne dites pas 'une agenda', dites toujours 'un agenda'.

To sound more like a native speaker, it is helpful to know the nuances between agenda and its synonyms. Each word has a specific context where it shines.

Calendrier vs. Agenda: A 'calendrier' is the general system of days and months (e.g., the Gregorian calendar) or a wall-hanging display. An 'agenda' is personal and used for recording specific appointments. You look at a 'calendrier' to see what day it is; you look at your 'agenda' to see what you are doing.
Emploi du temps: This refers to a fixed, recurring schedule, typically used by students or for shifts at work. If your schedule is the same every Monday, that is your 'emploi du temps'.
Carnet de notes: A simple notebook. While you might write appointments in it, it lacks the dated structure of a true 'agenda'.

J'ai accroché un calendrier dans la cuisine pour toute la famille.

Mon emploi du temps change chaque semestre à l'université.

Il utilise un planning pour suivre l'avancement du chantier.

Elle préfère noter ses idées dans un carnet plutôt que dans son agenda.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word entered the French language in the 18th century. Before that, people used 'tablettes' to note their chores.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.ʒɛ̃.da/

US /a.ʒɛ̃.da/

The stress is even, but slightly more emphasis on the final syllable in French.

Rhymes With

panda veranda propaganda manda corrida (partial) pyjama (partial) lambda creda

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in the middle (it should be a nasal vowel).
Pronouncing the 'j' as a hard 'dge' like in 'judge'.
Adding an 's' sound at the end.
Making the final 'a' sound like 'uh'.
Treating it as a feminine word because of the 'a' ending.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it looks like English.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember it's masculine and watch the nasal 'en'.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal vowel 'en' and the soft 'j' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear word, but can be confused with 'agent' if heard quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

le jour le temps écrire un livre noter

Learn Next

ordre du jour rendez-vous planning échéance disponibilité

Advanced

consigner chronogramme interopérabilité échéancier temporel

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in -a

Un agenda, un opéra, un sofa.

Nasal vowel 'en'

Agenda, vent, enfant.

Preposition 'dans' for containers

Dans mon agenda, dans mon sac.

Possessive adjectives with vowels

Mon agenda (not ma agenda, even if it were feminine).

Contraction with 'le'

L'agenda (le + agenda).

Examples by Level

J'ai un petit agenda bleu.

I have a small blue planner.

Masculine noun 'un agenda'.

Où est mon agenda ?

Where is my planner?

Possessive adjective 'mon' for masculine singular.

Regarde dans ton agenda.

Look in your planner.

Imperative form of 'regarder'.

C'est un agenda pour l'école.

It's a planner for school.

Preposition 'pour' indicating purpose.

Je n'ai pas d'agenda.

I don't have a planner.

Negative construction 'ne... pas de' (d' before vowel).

L'agenda est sur la table.

The planner is on the table.

Definite article 'L'' before a vowel.

Il écrit dans son agenda.

He is writing in his planner.

Present tense of 'écrire'.

C'est mon agenda personnel.

It is my personal planner.

Adjective 'personnel' follows the noun.

Je dois noter ce rendez-vous dans mon agenda.

I must note this appointment in my planner.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.

Mon agenda est très chargé cette semaine.

My schedule is very busy this week.

Adjective 'chargé' agreeing with masculine 'agenda'.

Tu as un agenda papier ou électronique ?

Do you have a paper or electronic planner?

Choice of two adjectives.

Elle a oublié son agenda au bureau.

She forgot her planner at the office.

Passé composé of 'oublier'.

Je consulte mon agenda tous les matins.

I check my planner every morning.

Frequency expression 'tous les matins'.

Il n'y a plus de place dans mon agenda aujourd'hui.

There is no more room in my planner today.

Idiom 'il n'y a plus de place'.

Vérifie ton agenda avant de dire oui.

Check your planner before saying yes.

Preposition 'avant de' + infinitive.

C'est un bel agenda en cuir.

It's a beautiful leather planner.

Irregular masculine adjective 'bel' before a vowel.

Nous devons coordonner nos agendas pour la réunion.

We must coordinate our schedules for the meeting.

Plural 'agendas'.

Il a un agenda de ministre, il est injoignable.

He has a very busy schedule, he's unreachable.

Idiom 'agenda de ministre'.

J'ai ajouté l'événement à mon agenda partagé.

I added the event to my shared calendar.

Past participle 'ajouté'.

Peux-tu me libérer un créneau dans ton agenda ?

Can you free up a time slot in your schedule for me?

Vocabulary: 'créneau' (time slot).

Elle gère son agenda avec une grande rigueur.

She manages her schedule with great rigor.

Noun 'rigueur' with preposition 'avec'.

L'agenda de la semaine est déjà complet.

The week's schedule is already full.

Possession with 'de'.

Je t'envoie une invitation dans ton agenda électronique.

I'm sending you an invitation in your electronic planner.

Present tense of 'envoyer'.

Il est important de tenir son agenda à jour.

It is important to keep one's planner up to date.

Expression 'tenir à jour'.

Le Premier ministre a un agenda très serré cette semaine.

The Prime Minister has a very tight schedule this week.

Adjective 'serré' (tight).

Cette question n'est pas encore à l'agenda politique.

This issue is not yet on the political agenda.

Metaphorical use of 'agenda'.

Il faut éviter de surcharger son agenda pour rester productif.

One must avoid overloading one's schedule to stay productive.

Verb 'surcharger' (to overload).

L'ordre du jour est prêt, mais as-tu vérifié l'agenda des participants ?

The meeting agenda is ready, but have you checked the participants' availability?

Contrast between 'ordre du jour' and 'agenda'.

Son agenda caché a fini par être révélé au grand jour.

His hidden agenda ended up being revealed in broad daylight.

Expression 'au grand jour'.

Nous avons un agenda commun pour ce projet de recherche.

We have a common timeline for this research project.

Adjective 'commun'.

La synchronisation de mon agenda pose problème.

Synchronizing my planner is causing a problem.

Noun 'synchronisation'.

Il a consigné tous ses rendez-vous dans son agenda.

He recorded all his appointments in his planner.

Formal verb 'consigner'.

La mise à l'agenda de cette réforme a pris des années.

Putting this reform on the agenda took years.

Technical term 'mise à l'agenda'.

L'agenda de la conférence internationale est particulièrement dense.

The international conference's schedule is particularly dense.

Adjective 'dense'.

Elle refuse d'être l'esclave de son agenda.

She refuses to be a slave to her schedule.

Metaphor 'esclave de'.

L'agenda culturel de la ville propose de nombreux festivals.

The city's cultural calendar offers many festivals.

Compound term 'agenda culturel'.

Il faut concilier l'agenda professionnel et la vie de famille.

Professional schedules and family life must be reconciled.

Verb 'concilier'.

L'agenda 21 est un plan d'action pour le développement durable.

Agenda 21 is an action plan for sustainable development.

Proper noun reference.

Son agenda est verrouillé par son assistante.

His schedule is locked down by his assistant.

Passive voice 'est verrouillé'.

Le numérique a transformé notre rapport à l'agenda.

Digital technology has transformed our relationship with scheduling.

Abstract concept 'rapport à'.

L'agenda, autrefois simple carnet, est devenu une extension de notre psyché.

The planner, once a simple notebook, has become an extension of our psyche.

Apposition and complex sentence structure.

La saturation de l'agenda témoigne d'une société de l'immédiateté.

The saturation of the schedule bears witness to a society of immediacy.

Verb 'témoigner de'.

Il manœuvre avec habileté pour imposer son agenda aux autres membres du conseil.

He maneuvers skillfully to impose his agenda on the other board members.

Abstract use of 'imposer son agenda'.

L'agenda de transition fut âprement discuté lors du sommet.

The transition timeline was bitterly discussed during the summit.

Adverb 'âprement'.

On ne saurait sous-estimer l'importance d'un agenda bien structuré.

One cannot underestimate the importance of a well-structured schedule.

Formal 'on ne saurait'.

L'agenda est le miroir de nos renoncements et de nos ambitions.

The schedule is the mirror of our renunciations and our ambitions.

Philosophical metaphor.

L'interopérabilité des agendas est un défi technique majeur.

The interoperability of schedules is a major technical challenge.

Technical vocabulary 'interopérabilité'.

Il a un agenda qui défie les lois du temps.

He has a schedule that defies the laws of time.

Hyperbole.

Common Collocations

consulter son agenda

noter dans l'agenda

agenda surchargé

agenda électronique

agenda partagé

tenir un agenda

fixer un rendez-vous

agenda scolaire

ouvrir son agenda

agenda culturel

Common Phrases

Qu'est-ce qu'il y a à l'agenda ?

— What is scheduled for today/the near future?

Qu'est-ce qu'il y a à l'agenda pour demain ?

C'est dans mon agenda.

— It is scheduled; I have recorded it.

Ne t'inquiète pas, c'est dans mon agenda.

Mon agenda est complet.

— I have no more free time.

Désolé, mon agenda est complet pour cette semaine.

Prendre son agenda.

— To get one's planner to check or write something.

Prends ton agenda, on va fixer une date.

Un trou dans l'agenda.

— An unexpected free slot in the schedule.

J'ai un petit trou dans l'agenda à 14h.

Mettre à l'agenda.

— To schedule something.

Il faut mettre cette réunion à l'agenda.

Charger l'agenda.

— To add many things to a schedule.

Évite de trop charger l'agenda lundi.

Agenda de bord.

— A logbook or specific professional planner.

Le capitaine remplit son agenda de bord.

Suivre son agenda.

— To stick to one's planned schedule.

Il est dur de suivre son agenda quand il y a des urgences.

Vérifier l'agenda.

— To check availability.

Je vérifie l'agenda et je reviens vers toi.

Often Confused With

agenda vs ordre du jour

Use this for the list of topics in a meeting, not 'agenda'.

agenda vs calendrier

Use this for the general calendar or a wall display.

agenda vs emploi du temps

Use this for a fixed weekly schedule (like at school).

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir un agenda de ministre"

— To be extremely busy with many important appointments.

Depuis sa promotion, il a un agenda de ministre.

informal/common

"L'agenda caché"

— Hidden intentions or a secret plan (often political).

On soupçonne un agenda caché derrière cette décision.

political

"Boucler son agenda"

— To finalize one's schedule so no more can be added.

J'ai bouclé mon agenda pour les vacances.

neutral

"L'agenda social"

— The timeline of social events or labor negotiations.

L'agenda social est très tendu cet automne.

formal

"C'est écrit dans l'agenda"

— Something is certain or planned and cannot be changed easily.

C'est écrit dans l'agenda, on ne peut plus reculer.

neutral

"Un agenda de fou"

— An insanely busy schedule.

J'ai un agenda de fou aujourd'hui !

slang/informal

"Vider son agenda"

— To cancel everything to make time for something else.

Il a vidé son agenda pour s'occuper de son fils.

neutral

"L'agenda 21"

— A specific reference to global environmental action plans.

La mairie suit les principes de l'agenda 21.

technical

"Jouer avec l'agenda"

— To manipulate timing for strategic advantage.

Le candidat joue avec l'agenda des annonces.

journalistic

"L'agenda de poche"

— A small, portable planner; also implies something always with you.

C'est mon agenda de poche, il me suit partout.

neutral

Easily Confused

agenda vs agent

Sounds somewhat similar to the start of 'agenda'.

An 'agent' is a person (officer/representative), 'agenda' is a book.

L'agent de police a pris mon agenda.

agenda vs agence

Similar spelling at the start.

An 'agence' is a business office or agency.

Je vais à l'agence de voyage pour noter les dates dans mon agenda.

agenda vs argent

Nasal sounds are similar.

'Argent' is money or silver.

J'ai besoin d'argent pour acheter un agenda.

agenda vs agenda (English)

Same spelling.

The English version means 'list of topics', the French means 'planner'.

In English: The agenda is long. In French: L'ordre du jour est long.

agenda vs légende

Similar ending sound.

A 'légende' is a myth or a caption.

C'est une légende que mon agenda est toujours vide.

Sentence Patterns

C'est mon [agenda].

C'est mon agenda.

Je note [quelque chose] dans mon agenda.

Je note le dîner dans mon agenda.

Je dois vérifier mon agenda pour [faire quelque chose].

Je dois vérifier mon agenda pour voir si je suis libre.

Mon agenda est [adjective] cette semaine.

Mon agenda est surchargé cette semaine.

La mise à l'agenda de [sujet] est cruciale.

La mise à l'agenda de l'écologie est cruciale.

Il a un agenda de [noun].

Il a un agenda de ministre.

L'agenda témoigne de [concept].

L'agenda témoigne de notre organisation.

Sous l'influence de [quelque chose], l'agenda [verb].

Sous l'influence du stress, l'agenda se remplit vite.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in both personal and professional life.

Common Mistakes

L'agenda de la réunion → L'ordre du jour de la réunion
In French, 'agenda' means planner, not the list of topics for a meeting.
Une agenda → Un agenda
Despite the 'a' ending, the word is masculine.
Regarder sur mon agenda → Regarder dans mon agenda
'Dans' is the standard preposition for books and planners.
Mon agenda de cours → Mon emploi du temps
For a fixed weekly school schedule, use 'emploi du temps'.
Pronouncing the 'n' in agenda → Nasal 'en' sound
The 'n' is not pronounced as a consonant; it nasalizes the vowel.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always pair 'agenda' with masculine adjectives and articles. Say 'mon bel agenda' not 'ma belle agenda'.

Avoid the False Friend

In a business meeting, ask for 'l'ordre du jour' to see the topics. If you ask for 'l'agenda', they might give you a blank planner!

Master the Nasal

The 'en' in agenda is the same sound as in 'parent' or 'temps'. Practice it by making a 'ha' sound and letting air out of your nose.

Back to School

If you are in France in late August, look at the stationery aisles. The variety of 'agendas' is a huge cultural phenomenon.

Sharing is Caring

In French corporate culture, 'partager son agenda' is common. Use this phrase to coordinate with colleagues.

Busy as a Minister

Use 'agenda de ministre' to compliment (or complain about) how busy someone is. It sounds very native.

Preposition Power

Use 'noter dans'. For example: 'Je le note tout de suite dans mon agenda'.

App Names

Note that even if your phone is in French, the app might be called 'Calendrier' or 'Agenda'. Both are correct for digital tools.

Recurring vs Specific

Use 'emploi du temps' for your weekly routine and 'agenda' for your specific appointments.

The 'A' List

Think of an agenda as your 'A-list' of things to do today.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A GENTle DAy' starts with a good 'agenda'.

Visual Association

Imagine a small book with a big letter 'A' on the cover, and inside, every page is a new day waiting for you.

Word Web

temps rendez-vous planification notes dates heures travail école

Challenge

Try to write three things you will do tomorrow in French, starting with 'Dans mon agenda, j'ai...'

Word Origin

From the Latin 'agenda', which is the neuter plural gerundive of 'agere' (to do).

Original meaning: Literally 'things to be done'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'agenda caché' can imply distrust in a professional setting.

English speakers often use 'agenda' for meeting topics, which is 'ordre du jour' in French. This is a common source of confusion in business.

Agenda 21 (UN environment plan) Quo Vadis (famous French planner brand) Le Petit Nicolas (often mentions school agendas)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the office

Partager son agenda
Bloquer un créneau
Agenda surchargé
Consulter les disponibilités

At school

Sortez vos agendas
Noter les devoirs
Agenda scolaire
Vérifier la date de l'examen

With friends

Regarder son agenda
Fixer une date
Avoir un trou
Libérer une soirée

At the doctor

Prendre rendez-vous
Vérifier l'agenda du docteur
Chercher une place
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Politics

L'agenda politique
Mise à l'agenda
Priorité de l'agenda
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Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu utilises encore un agenda papier ou tu es passé au numérique ?"

"Ton agenda est-il très chargé en ce moment ou as-tu du temps libre ?"

"Quel est l'événement le plus important dans ton agenda cette semaine ?"

"Est-ce que tu partages ton agenda avec tes collègues ou ta famille ?"

"Comment choisis-tu ton agenda au début de l'année ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris à quoi ressemble une journée typique dans ton agenda.

Préfères-tu avoir un agenda très organisé ou laisser de la place à l'improvisation ? Pourquoi ?

Raconte une fois où tu as oublié de noter quelque chose dans ton agenda.

Si tu pouvais vider ton agenda de toutes tes obligations pendant une semaine, que ferais-tu ?

L'agenda est-il pour toi un outil de liberté ou une contrainte ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Il est toujours masculin : un agenda, le bel agenda. C'est une erreur courante de penser qu'il est féminin à cause du 'a' final.

On dit 'l'ordre du jour'. Utiliser 'agenda' dans ce contexte est un anglicisme.

Oui, surtout pour les applications numériques (Google Calendar = Google Agenda ou Calendrier), mais 'agenda' est plus précis pour votre emploi du temps personnel.

C'est une expression pour dire que quelqu'un est extrêmement occupé avec beaucoup de rendez-vous importants.

C'est une voyelle nasale. Votre bouche est ouverte, et l'air passe par le nez. Ne prononcez pas le 'n' avec votre langue.

Oui, c'est le mot standard pour le carnet où les élèves notent leurs devoirs.

L'emploi du temps est fixe (chaque lundi à 8h), l'agenda contient des événements spécifiques à une date (lundi 12 octobre à 8h).

On dit généralement 'dans l'agenda'. 'Sur' est parfois utilisé pour les écrans, mais 'dans' est plus naturel.

Oui, il vient du latin 'agenda' qui signifie 'choses à faire'.

On peut dire 'un agenda caché', mais 'des intentions cachées' est plus fréquent en français.