Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| branché | /bʁɑ̃.ʃe/ |
| à la mode | /a la mɔd/ |
Both terms are used to describe things that are currently popular or in accordance with the latest trends.
What does it mean word for word?
The word branché literally means 'plugged in' or 'connected', as if referring to an electrical plug.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean trendy, branché often carries a connotation of being 'hip' or 'in the know' regarding social scenes. In contrast, à la mode is more strictly about fashion and current styles.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
branché is a colloquial and informal term, whereas à la mode is more neutral. The expression à la page is an informal idiomatic way to say something is in vogue or popular.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective branché must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. It becomes branchée for feminine singular nouns, branchés for masculine plural nouns and branchées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bʁɑ̃.ʃe/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, if you see à la mode on a menu, it does not mean 'trendy', but rather refers to a dish being served with ice cream.
- In high-fashion contexts, a person who is extremely trendy might be described as a fashionista, showing that French absorbs English terminology to describe specific modern subcultures.
- The word mode comes from the Latin modus, which originally meant 'measure' or 'manner' rather than specifically referring to clothing.
Examples in context
- Je ne suis pas le type branché.I'm not the trendy type.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of branché.Tatoeba #4195434 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4194529 by Lepotdeterre
- La nouvelle collection de cette marque est très à la modeThe new collection from this brand is very trendy.
- Ce quartier de la ville est réputé pour ses boutiques branchéesThis neighborhood is known for its trendy shops.
- Ce groupe de musique est vraiment à la page !This band is really trendy!
- Sa tenue est très tendance en ce moment !Her outfit is very trendy right now!
- Cet artiste est vraiment au goût du jour !This artist is really trendy!
- Ce nouveau café est très branché.This new cafe is very trendy.
- Il cherche un restaurant branché pour ce soir.He is looking for a trendy restaurant for tonight.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing where to go for dinner.
- ChloéTu connais un endroit branché par ici ?Do you know a trendy place around here?
- LucasOui, je connais un petit bar très branché.Yes, I know a very trendy little bar.
- ChloéC'est parfait, Lucas, j'adore ce genre d'endroit.That's perfect, Lucas, I love that kind of place.
- LucasAlors, on y va ce soir ?So, shall we go there tonight?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trendy” translations and entries branché, à la mode, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, mode, à, à la mode, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
