se reconvertir
se reconvertir في 30 ثانية
- To retrain or change one's career path completely.
- A reflexive verb (se reconvertir) using 'être' in past tenses.
- Commonly followed by 'dans' (field) or 'en' (job title).
- Highly relevant in modern French social and professional contexts.
The French verb se reconvertir is a powerful pronominal verb that primarily translates to "to retrain," "to pivot professionally," or "to change one's career path." In the modern French-speaking world, where professional mobility and the pursuit of meaningful work (la quête de sens) have become central cultural themes, this word appears frequently in media, HR discussions, and casual conversations among friends. Unlike the simple phrase changer de métier, which merely describes the act of switching jobs, se reconvertir implies a deeper transformation—often involving new studies, a formal certification, or a radical shift in one's professional identity. It suggests a process of adaptation where one takes existing skills and retools them for a completely different environment.
- Professional Pivot
- This is the most common usage. It describes someone who leaves a stable career, such as banking or law, to pursue something entirely different, like organic farming or software engineering. The reflexive 'se' is crucial because it highlights that the individual is the agent of their own change.
Après dix ans dans la finance, il a décidé de se reconvertir dans l'ébénisterie pour travailler de ses mains.
The word is also used in the world of sports. When an athlete reaches the end of their physical peak, they must find a second life. A footballer might se reconvertir as a coach, a commentator, or even a business owner. This transition is seen as a necessary evolution. In a broader sense, the term can apply to industrial sites or buildings. A former factory that is turned into a museum or luxury lofts is said to be reconvertie (passive form), but when a person does it, it remains reflexive. The social prestige of la reconversion has grown significantly in France over the last decade, moving from a sign of instability to a sign of courage and adaptability.
- Technological Adaptation
- In the context of the digital revolution, many workers find their roles becoming obsolete. To se reconvertir in this sense means to learn new technologies to remain relevant in the job market.
Culturally, the French government provides significant support for this process through systems like the CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation), making se reconvertir a frequent topic in administrative and bureaucratic contexts. When you use this word, you are evoking a journey of self-reinvention that is highly respected in contemporary society. It reflects the idea that a career is no longer a straight line but a series of cycles. Whether it's a burn-out leading to a new passion or a simple desire for a lifestyle change, se reconvertir captures the essence of starting over with the wisdom of experience.
- Industrial Shift
- While usually personal, the term can describe a company changing its primary activity to survive economic shifts.
Cette usine de textile va se reconvertir dans la production de masques sanitaires.
Using se reconvertir correctly requires attention to its reflexive nature and the prepositions that follow it. As a pronominal verb, it must always be accompanied by a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) that matches the subject. In compound tenses like the passé composé, it always takes the auxiliary verb être. This is a common point of struggle for English speakers who are used to the non-reflexive 'to retrain.' You aren't just retraining; you are retraining yourself in the eyes of French grammar.
- The Preposition 'Dans'
- Used when referring to a general sector, field, or industry. Example: 'Il se reconvertit dans le développement web.'
Beaucoup de citadins rêvent de se reconvertir dans l'agriculture biologique.
When you want to specify the exact role or job title you are moving into, the preposition en is the standard choice. For instance, 'Elle s'est reconvertie en décoratrice d'intérieur.' Notice how the past participle reconvertie agrees in gender and number with the subject 'Elle.' This agreement is mandatory for pronominal verbs where the reflexive pronoun is the direct object. If the subject were plural, like 'Ils se sont reconvertis,' you would add an 's'. If the subject were feminine plural, 'Elles se sont reconverties,' you would add 'es'.
- The Preposition 'En'
- Used for specific job titles or states. Example: 'Elle veut se reconvertir en guide de montagne.'
Il est difficile de se reconvertir sans un solide plan de formation.
In negative sentences, the negation surrounds the reflexive pronoun and the conjugated verb: 'Je ne me suis pas reconverti.' In questions using inversion, it looks like this: 'S'est-elle reconvertie ?' For learners at the B1 level, mastering the flow of these pronouns is key. You might also see the verb used in the infinitive after modal verbs like vouloir, pouvoir, or devoir. 'Je veux me reconvertir' (I want to retrain). Note that the reflexive pronoun still changes to match the subject 'Je' even though the verb 'reconvertir' is in the infinitive.
- The Gerund Form
- Using 'en se reconvertissant' (by retraining) to show how something was achieved. Example: 'En se reconvertissant, il a trouvé un nouvel équilibre.'
Est-ce que tu penses qu'il est trop tard pour se reconvertir à cinquante ans ?
In France, se reconvertir is a word that permeates several distinct layers of society. You will hear it most frequently in the workplace, particularly during 'entretiens annuels' (annual reviews) or when colleagues discuss their long-term aspirations. It’s a word of the 'cafétéria' and the 'after-work' drink, where someone might confess, 'J'en ai marre, je vais me reconvertir.' It signals a desire for a fresh start. On the news, journalists often use it when discussing economic trends, such as coal miners needing to se reconvertir into green energy jobs.
- The Media and Documentaries
- French television is full of programs like 'Zone Interdite' or 'Capital' that feature segments on people who 'tout plaquer' (leave everything) to 'se reconvertir'. It’s a romanticized but very real social phenomenon.
Le reportage suivait des cadres parisiens qui ont choisi de se reconvertir en bergers dans les Alpes.
In the educational sector, specifically in 'formation continue' (continuing education), the word is ubiquitous. Universities and private schools have entire departments dedicated to 'la reconversion professionnelle.' If you are looking at brochures for MBAs or vocational training (CAP), you will see 'se reconvertir' used as a call to action. It appeals to the demographic of 30-to-50-year-olds who are looking for a 'second souffle' (second wind) in their professional lives. Furthermore, in the world of high-level sports, the 'reconversion des sportifs' is a serious policy issue discussed by federations and the Ministry of Sports.
- Career Coaching and LinkedIn
- If you browse French LinkedIn, you will find countless 'coachs en reconversion' offering services to help people navigate this transition. The hashtags #reconversion and #reconversionprofessionnelle are very active.
Elle a partagé son témoignage sur LinkedIn pour expliquer pourquoi elle a voulu se reconvertir après un burn-out.
Finally, you’ll hear it in the context of urban planning and ecology. When a city decides to turn an old railway line into a green park (like the Coulée verte in Paris), officials speak of 'reconvertir l'espace'. While the reflexive form 'se reconvertir' is for people, the concept of 'reconversion' is applied to everything from buildings to entire regional economies. Hearing this word often triggers a discussion about the future, adaptability, and the changing nature of work in the 21st century. It is a word of hope and transformation, but also one of economic necessity.
- Public Policy
- Politicians use the term when discussing 'plans de sauvegarde de l'emploi' (PSE), focusing on how to help laid-off workers retrain for new industries.
L'État propose des aides financières pour aider les chômeurs à se reconvertir rapidement.
Learning se reconvertir involves navigating several grammatical and semantic pitfalls. The most frequent error for English speakers is forgetting the reflexive pronoun. Because 'to retrain' or 'to change careers' is not reflexive in English, students often say 'Je vais reconvertir' instead of 'Je vais me reconvertir.' Without the 'me', the sentence is incomplete or could imply you are converting something else (like a file format or a currency), which sounds very strange in a professional context.
- Reflexive Pronoun Omission
- Mistake: 'Il veut reconvertir en prof.' Correct: 'Il veut se reconvertir en prof.' Always match the pronoun to the subject.
Attention : on ne dit pas "je vais reconvertir mon job", mais "je vais me reconvertir".
Another common mistake involves the choice of prepositions. Many learners try to use 'à' or 'pour' because they translate literally from English (e.g., 'retrain to'). In French, you se reconvertir dans a field or en a profession. Using 'à' is generally reserved for the action of 'se convertir à' (converting to a religion or an idea), and using 'pour' followed by an infinitive is possible ('se reconvertir pour devenir...'), but using 'pour' followed by a noun is usually incorrect.
- Preposition Confusion
- Mistake: 'Je me reconvertis à l'informatique.' Correct: 'Je me reconvertis dans l'informatique.' Remember: 'dans' for the world/field, 'en' for the title.
Elle s'est reconvertie en photographe (et non 'comme' photographe).
The third major hurdle is the past participle agreement. Since se reconvertir uses 'être' in the past tense, the participle 'reconverti' must agree with the subject. This is often forgotten in speech. 'Marie s'est reconvertie' (add an 'e'). 'Les frères se sont reconvertis' (add an 's'). Furthermore, don't confuse se reconvertir with se recycler. While 'se recycler' can mean 'to retrain,' it often has a slightly more technical or 'recycling' connotation, and in some contexts, it can sound a bit derogatory, implying that the person is just being 'recycled' rather than truly evolving. Stick to se reconvertir for career changes to sound more natural and respectful.
- Confusing with 'Changer de'
- While 'changer de métier' is correct, it's a simple action. 'Se reconvertir' is a whole process. Don't use 'se reconvertir' for a minor job change within the same company.
Si tu changes juste de bureau, tu ne vas pas te reconvertir, tu changes juste de poste.
While se reconvertir is the most precise term for a professional transformation, French offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to navigate different registers of language, from formal HR meetings to casual chats with friends. The most common alternative is the phrase changer de voie, which literally means 'to change paths'. It is slightly more poetic and less technical than se reconvertir.
- Se Reconvertir vs. Changer de Voie
- Se reconvertir: Focuses on the retraining process and the acquisition of new skills.
Changer de voie: Focuses on the direction of life and the departure from the previous path.
Il a décidé de changer de voie après avoir réalisé que la médecine n'était pas pour lui.
Another term is se recycler. While it can be a synonym for 'to retrain,' it is often used when a person stays within the same general industry but learns a new specific skill to avoid being obsolete. For example, a print journalist might se recycler in digital media. It has a slightly more pragmatic, sometimes less 'inspirational' tone than se reconvertir. Then there is the very formal opérer une transition professionnelle, which you will find in administrative documents and HR reports. It is the 'corporate' way of saying someone is retraining.
- Se Reconvertir vs. Bifurquer
- Bifurquer: A more modern, slightly intellectual term often used in the context of ecology or social change (e.g., 'les ingénieurs qui bifurquent'—engineers who leave big corporations for ethical reasons).
De nombreux diplômés choisissent de bifurquer vers des métiers plus respectueux de l'environnement.
If you want to sound very casual, you might use the expression tout plaquer (to drop everything). While it doesn't mean 'to retrain' directly, it is almost always the first step of a reconversion. 'Il a tout plaqué pour devenir berger.' Finally, there is se réorienter, which is typically used for students who change their major or field of study. If you are 20 years old and change from Law to History, you te réorientes. If you are 40 and change from Law to History, you te reconvertis. The distinction is largely based on the amount of professional baggage you are leaving behind.
- Summary of Alternatives
- 1. Se réorienter: For students/young adults.
2. Se recycler: For technical updates.
3. Bifurquer: For ethical or radical shifts.
4. Tout plaquer: Informal, radical departure.
Avant de se reconvertir, il faut souvent passer par une phase de réflexion profonde.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The term was popularized in the 1960s in France to describe the economic shift of workers from declining coal mines to new industries. It has since become more personal and individual.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the final 'r' too softly or like an English 'r'.
- Forgetting the nasal quality of the 'on' in 'con'.
- Making the 'e' in 're' too long like 'ray'. It should be short.
- Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.
- Failing to link 'se' and 're' smoothly.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize if you know 'convertir' and the prefix 're-'.
Requires mastery of reflexive pronouns and past participle agreement.
Requires fluid pronunciation of the 're-' and 'con-' sounds.
Can be confused with 'se convertir' if not listening carefully to the 're-'.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Reflexive Verb Conjugation
Je me reconvertis, Tu te reconvertis, Il se reconvertit.
Past Participle Agreement with 'Être'
Elle s'est reconvertie (Agreement with feminine subject).
Preposition 'Dans' for Sectors
Se reconvertir dans la mode.
Preposition 'En' for Roles
Se reconvertir en traducteur.
Infinitive after Modals
Je veux me reconvertir (Pronoun matches subject).
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Il veut se reconvertir.
He wants to retrain.
Reflexive pronoun 'se' stays before the infinitive.
Je me reconvertis cette année.
I am retraining this year.
Present tense of a reflexive verb.
Elle se reconvertit dans le sport.
She is retraining in sports.
Use 'dans' for a general field.
Tu te reconvertis en chef ?
Are you retraining as a chef?
Use 'en' for a job title.
Nous nous reconvertissons ensemble.
We are retraining together.
Double 'nous' in reflexive verbs.
Ils se reconvertissent en 2024.
They are retraining in 2024.
Third person plural ending -ent.
Vous vous reconvertissez bientôt ?
Are you (plural/formal) retraining soon?
Double 'vous' in reflexive verbs.
C'est dur de se reconvertir.
It is hard to retrain.
Infinitive used after 'C'est + adjective + de'.
Mon frère s'est reconverti l'été dernier.
My brother retrained last summer.
Passé composé uses 'être'.
Je ne veux pas me reconvertir tout de suite.
I don't want to retrain right away.
Negation 'ne...pas' around the first verb.
Est-ce que tu vas te reconvertir dans l'art ?
Are you going to retrain in art?
Futur proche: 'aller' + reflexive pronoun + infinitive.
Ma sœur s'est reconvertie en boulangère.
My sister retrained as a baker.
Agreement: 'reconvertie' (feminine).
On peut se reconvertir à tout âge.
One can retrain at any age.
'On' takes the third person singular.
Ils se sont reconvertis après la crise.
They retrained after the crisis.
Plural agreement: 'reconvertis'.
Elle a décidé de se reconvertir dans le vin.
She decided to retrain in the wine industry.
'Décider de' + infinitive.
Nous aimons l'idée de nous reconvertir.
We like the idea of retraining.
Reflexive pronoun matches the subject 'nous'.
Après son burn-out, il a choisi de se reconvertir dans l'humanitaire.
After his burnout, he chose to retrain in humanitarian work.
Contextual use of 'dans' for a sector.
Elle s'est reconvertie avec succès dans le marketing digital.
She successfully retrained in digital marketing.
Adverb placement after the auxiliary.
Si je perdais mon emploi, je me reconvertirais sans hésiter.
If I lost my job, I would retrain without hesitating.
Conditional mood: 'reconvertirais'.
Il est nécessaire de se reconvertir quand le métier disparaît.
It is necessary to retrain when the trade disappears.
Impersonal 'Il est + adj + de'.
Bien qu'elle soit jeune, elle veut déjà se reconvertir.
Although she is young, she already wants to retrain.
Subjunctive 'soit' used after 'bien que'.
Ils se sont reconvertis pour trouver un meilleur équilibre de vie.
They retrained to find a better life balance.
'Pour' + infinitive to show purpose.
Vous devriez vous reconvertir si vous n'aimez plus votre travail.
You should retrain if you no longer like your work.
Conditional 'devriez' for advice.
Le gouvernement aide les gens qui souhaitent se reconvertir.
The government helps people who wish to retrain.
Relative clause with 'qui'.
Il est rare qu'un avocat se reconvertisse en menuisier.
It is rare that a lawyer retrains as a carpenter.
Subjunctive 'reconvertisse' after 'Il est rare que'.
En se reconvertissant, elle a découvert une passion pour la poterie.
By retraining, she discovered a passion for pottery.
Gerund 'en se reconvertissant'.
Beaucoup de cadres ont sauté le pas et se sont reconvertis.
Many executives have taken the plunge and retrained.
Idiom 'sauter le pas' paired with the verb.
La question est de savoir s'il est possible de se reconvertir sans diplôme.
The question is to know if it's possible to retrain without a degree.
Indirect question with 'si'.
Elle s'est reconvertie, ce qui lui a permis de voyager davantage.
She retrained, which allowed her to travel more.
Relative pronoun 'ce qui' referring to the whole preceding clause.
Ils auraient pu se reconvertir plus tôt s'ils avaient eu les fonds.
They could have retrained earlier if they had had the funds.
Past conditional 'auraient pu' + infinitive.
Qu'il se reconvertisse ou non, il doit quitter ce poste.
Whether he retrains or not, he must leave this position.
Subjunctive in a 'whether... or' structure.
L'entreprise les a incités à se reconvertir dans les nouvelles technologies.
The company encouraged them to retrain in new technologies.
'Inciter quelqu'un à' + infinitive.
Face à l'obsolescence de son métier, il n'avait d'autre choix que de se reconvertir.
Faced with the obsolescence of his trade, he had no choice but to retrain.
Restrictive structure 'n'avoir d'autre choix que de'.
La décision de se reconvertir relève souvent d'un besoin de cohérence éthique.
The decision to retrain often stems from a need for ethical consistency.
Verb 'relever de' (to stem from/be a matter of).
S'étant reconverti tardivement, il apporte un regard neuf sur la profession.
Having retrained late in life, he brings a fresh perspective to the profession.
Compound past participle 'S'étant reconverti'.
Il est à déplorer que si peu d'ouvriers parviennent à se reconvertir aisément.
It is to be regretted that so few workers manage to retrain easily.
Subjunctive 'parviennent' after 'Il est à déplorer que'.
Elle a opéré une mutation profonde en se reconvertissant dans l'économie circulaire.
She underwent a deep mutation by retraining in the circular economy.
Use of 'mutation' and 'économie circulaire' (high-level vocab).
Peu importe l'obstacle, elle s'était juré de se reconvertir avant ses quarante ans.
No matter the obstacle, she had sworn to herself to retrain before she was forty.
Plus-que-parfait 's'était juré'.
L'idée même de se reconvertir peut susciter une certaine angoisse existentielle.
The very idea of retraining can provoke a certain existential anxiety.
Abstract noun 'angoisse existentielle'.
À force de persévérance, ils ont fini par se reconvertir malgré les critiques.
Through perseverance, they eventually retrained despite the criticism.
'Finir par' + infinitive (to end up doing).
L'impératif de se reconvertir s'inscrit désormais dans une logique de formation tout au long de la vie.
The imperative to retrain is now part of a lifelong learning logic.
Formal phrase 's'inscrire dans une logique'.
Se reconvertir n'est plus une exception, mais un jalon quasi inévitable de la carrière contemporaine.
Retraining is no longer an exception, but an almost inevitable milestone of the contemporary career.
Use of 'jalon' (milestone) and 'quasi'.
Le courage de se reconvertir témoigne d'une volonté farouche de ne pas subir son destin professionnel.
The courage to retrain testifies to a fierce will not to suffer one's professional fate.
Strong adjectives 'farouche' and verb 'témoigner de'.
Certains voient dans l'injonction à se reconvertir une forme de précarisation déguisée.
Some see in the injunction to retrain a form of disguised casualization.
Complex noun 'injonction' and 'précarisation'.
Bien que le processus pour se reconvertir soit ardu, les bénéfices psychologiques sont indéniables.
Although the process to retrain is arduous, the psychological benefits are undeniable.
Subjunctive 'soit' and high-level adjective 'ardu'.
Il s'agit moins de se reconvertir par dépit que de s'accomplir pleinement dans une nouvelle voie.
It is less about retraining out of spite than about fully fulfilling oneself in a new path.
Comparison 'moins de... que de'.
La faculté de se reconvertir promptement est devenue un atout stratégique sur le marché de l'emploi.
The ability to retrain promptly has become a strategic asset in the job market.
Adverb 'promptement' and 'atout stratégique'.
On ne saurait se reconvertir sans une introspection préalable et rigoureuse.
One cannot retrain without a prior and rigorous introspection.
Formal 'on ne saurait' (one cannot/should not).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Said when showing someone your new job or project. It implies pride in the change.
Tu aimes mon pain ? C'est ma reconversion !
— Currently in the middle of the retraining process. Often used as a status update.
Je ne travaille pas pour l'instant, je suis en pleine reconversion.
— To try or attempt a career change, suggesting a bit of risk.
Il a décidé de tenter une reconversion dans la musique.
— To fail in the attempt to change careers. A common fear for many.
Il a peur de rater sa reconversion et de se retrouver sans rien.
— A figurative way to say that many people are catching the desire to change jobs.
Le virus de la reconversion a frappé tout le bureau.
— A planned career change. Used in formal interviews.
Quel est votre projet de reconversion ?
— A professional who helps people change careers.
J'ai pris rendez-vous avec un coach en reconversion.
— A successful career change, often used as a headline.
Portrait d'une reconversion réussie dans l'artisanat.
— To retrain while actually doing the new job, without formal schooling.
Il s'est reconverti sur le tas en apprenant avec son oncle.
— The feeling of necessity to change careers.
Elle ressentait un besoin vital de se reconvertir.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Used for religion or changing currency/units. Does not imply professional retraining.
Implies updating skills in the same field rather than a total career change.
Primarily for students changing their major or school path.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To take the plunge. Often used when someone finally decides to 'se reconvertir'.
Elle a enfin sauté le pas pour se reconvertir.
informal/neutral— To turn the page. To leave the old job behind and start the 'reconversion'.
Se reconvertir, c'est tourner la page de dix ans de bureau.
neutral— To change one's shoulder for the rifle (to change tactics/direction). Implies a strategic 'reconversion'.
Le marché change, il faut changer de fusil d'épaule et se reconvertir.
neutral/figurative— To start from scratch. A common reality when one 'se reconvertit'.
En se reconvertissant, il a accepté de repartir de zéro.
neutral— To give a new breath (a second wind). What 'se reconvertir' does for a career.
Cette formation a donné un nouveau souffle à sa carrière.
literary— To change the air. Often the initial motivation for wanting to 'se reconvertir'.
Elle voulait changer d'air, alors elle s'est reconvertie.
informal— To take a 180-degree turn. Describes a radical 'reconversion'.
Son passage de la finance à l'agriculture est un virage à 180 degrés.
neutral— To burn one's ships. To commit so fully to a 'reconversion' that there is no going back.
En démissionnant sans préavis, il a brûlé ses vaisseaux pour se reconvertir.
literary— To reset the counters to zero. Similar to starting from scratch in a new field.
Se reconvertir permet de remettre les compteurs à zéro.
neutral— To have several strings to one's bow. Having skills that allow one to 'se reconvertir' easily.
Il a plusieurs cordes à son arc, il peut se reconvertir quand il veut.
neutralسهل الخلط
They look and sound very similar.
'Se convertir' is for beliefs or technical units. 'Se reconvertir' is for professional paths. You convert to Islam, but you retrain as a plumber.
Il s'est converti au bouddhisme, puis il s'est reconverti en jardinier.
Both involve learning new things for work.
'Se recycler' is about staying relevant in your current world. 'Se reconvertir' is about moving to a new world.
Le comptable se recycle sur un nouveau logiciel, mais l'avocat se reconvertit en acteur.
Both involve changing direction.
'Se réorienter' is for the beginning of a journey (students). 'Se reconvertir' is for changing the journey after it has started (professionals).
L'étudiant se réoriente vers les langues. Le cadre se reconvertit dans le tourisme.
Both imply change.
'Transformer' is usually for objects. 'Se reconvertir' is specifically for a person's career path.
On transforme une grange en maison, mais on se reconvertit en architecte.
Both involve a new job.
'Changer de poste' is a move within the same company or field. 'Se reconvertir' is a change of the field itself.
Elle a changé de poste pour devenir manager, mais elle ne s'est pas reconvertie.
أنماط الجُمل
Je veux me reconvertir en [Job].
Je veux me reconvertir en cuisinier.
Il s'est reconverti dans [Field] après [Event].
Il s'est reconverti dans le bois après son licenciement.
C'est difficile de se reconvertir sans [Noun].
C'est difficile de se reconvertir sans argent.
En se reconvertissant, on peut [Verb].
En se reconvertissant, on peut changer de vie.
Il est temps que tu te reconvertisses.
Il est temps que tu te reconvertisses dans ce qui te plaît.
La nécessité de se reconvertir s'impose à [Group].
La nécessité de se reconvertir s'impose aux seniors.
Nul ne peut se reconvertir sans [Abstract Noun].
Nul ne peut se reconvertir sans une forte motivation.
L'injonction à se reconvertir soulève des questions de [Noun].
L'injonction à se reconvertir soulève des questions d'éthique sociale.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Very common in modern French, especially in professional and social discussions.
-
Je vais reconvertir en prof.
→
Je vais me reconvertir en prof.
You forgot the reflexive pronoun. In French, you retrain *yourself*.
-
Elle s'est reconverti dans l'art.
→
Elle s'est reconvertie dans l'art.
The past participle must agree with the feminine subject 'Elle'.
-
Il se reconvertit à l'informatique.
→
Il se reconvertit dans l'informatique.
Use 'dans' for a field of study or industry, not 'à'.
-
Je me reconvertis comme photographe.
→
Je me reconvertis en photographe.
While 'comme' is used in English ('as a'), French uses 'en' for the new job title.
-
Ils sont reconvertis.
→
Ils se sont reconvertis.
Reflexive verbs in the past tense need both the reflexive pronoun 'se' and the auxiliary 'être'.
نصائح
Don't forget the 'SE'
Always remember the reflexive pronoun. Without it, the sentence sounds like you are converting a file or a currency. 'Je me reconvertis' is about you!
Use 'Dans' for Fields
If you are moving into a whole new world like 'Tech', say 'dans la tech'. It sounds much more natural than 'en tech'.
The 'Boulanger' Cliché
In France, the most common example of 'reconversion' is a city worker becoming a baker. Use this in conversation to sound like you understand French culture!
The Nasal 'ON'
Ensure the 'con' in reconvertir is nasal. Don't let the 'n' sound like an English 'n'; it should vibrate in your nose.
Past Agreement
If you are a woman writing about your career change, you MUST write 'Je me suis reconvertie' with an extra 'e'.
Modal Verbs
Pair it with 'vouloir' or 'devoir' to express your plans. 'Je veux me reconvertir' is a great conversation starter.
Prefix 'RE-'
Listen carefully for the 'RE'. If it's missing, the topic is likely religious conversion, which is a very different conversation!
HR Context
In a job interview, talk about your 'projet de reconversion' to show that your change is planned and professional.
Re-Convert
Just think of 're-converting' your life. It's a conversion that happens again to your career.
Age is just a number
You can use this word for someone who is 25 or 65. It's never too late to 'se reconvertir' in the eyes of the French!
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'RE-CONVERT'. You are CONVERTING your life AGAIN (RE). If you converted a file from PDF to Word, you changed it. If you 'se reconvertir', you change yourself from a Lawyer to a Chef.
ربط بصري
Imagine a person wearing a business suit on the left half of their body and a gardener's apron on the right half. They are in the middle of 'se reconvertir'.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to write three sentences about a famous person who changed careers using 'se reconvertir'. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger 's'est reconverti' into politics.
أصل الكلمة
From the Latin 're-' (again) + 'convertere' (to turn around). The prefix 're-' indicates a second or new transformation.
المعنى الأصلي: Originally used in military or industrial contexts to describe changing the purpose of equipment or factories.
Romance (Latin-based).السياق الثقافي
Be aware that for some, 'se reconvertir' is a choice (luxury), while for others, it is a painful necessity due to layoffs (social context).
In English, we often say 'change careers' or 'retrain'. 'Se reconvertir' is more formal than 'change careers' but more common in daily speech than 'retrain' is in the US/UK.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Job Interviews
- Pourquoi souhaitez-vous vous reconvertir ?
- Ma reconversion est le fruit d'une longue réflexion.
- J'ai les compétences pour me reconvertir.
- C'est un nouveau défi pour moi.
Dinner with Friends
- Tu n'as jamais eu envie de te reconvertir ?
- Je connais quelqu'un qui s'est reconverti en brasseur.
- C'est courageux de se reconvertir à ton âge.
- Je me tâte à me reconvertir.
News/Media
- Le secteur de la tech attire ceux qui veulent se reconvertir.
- Comment réussir à se reconvertir après 50 ans ?
- Les aides de l'État pour se reconvertir.
- Le boom de la reconversion professionnelle.
Academic/HR
- Le processus de se reconvertir demande du temps.
- L'accompagnement à la reconversion est crucial.
- Les freins pour se reconvertir sont souvent financiers.
- Se reconvertir au sein de la même entreprise.
Sports
- Il doit se reconvertir après sa blessure.
- La reconversion des sportifs de haut niveau.
- Il s'est reconverti dans les affaires.
- Préparer sa reconversion avant la fin de sa carrière.
بدايات محادثة
"Si tu devais te reconvertir demain, quel métier choisirais-tu et pourquoi ?"
"Penses-tu qu'il est plus facile de se reconvertir aujourd'hui qu'il y a vingt ans ?"
"Connais-tu quelqu'un qui s'est reconverti de manière très surprenante ?"
"Quelles sont, selon toi, les plus grandes difficultés pour se reconvertir ?"
"Est-ce que tu penses que tout le monde est capable de se reconvertir ?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Imagine que tu décides de te reconvertir dans un domaine artistique. Décris ta nouvelle vie.
Quelles compétences possèdes-tu déjà qui pourraient t'aider à te reconvertir dans un autre secteur ?
Écris sur les peurs que tu pourrais avoir si tu devais te reconvertir maintenant.
Analyse pourquoi tant de gens ressentent le besoin de se reconvertir de nos jours.
Décris le processus idéal pour se reconvertir sans stress.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, when referring to a person changing their career, it must be reflexive: 'se reconvertir'. If you use it without the 'se', you are talking about converting an object or a building: 'L'entreprise va reconvertir cette usine'.
Use 'dans' for a general sector (dans l'immobilier, dans le social). Use 'en' for a specific job title (en boulanger, en infirmier). 'Dans' describes the environment, while 'en' describes the new identity.
Not usually. It is almost strictly professional. For a hobby, you would simply say 'commencer une nouvelle activité' or 'se mettre à'.
It uses 'être'. Example: 'Je me suis reconverti(e)'. Don't forget the agreement with the subject!
Extremely common. It is a 'buzzword' in modern French society due to the high number of people seeking more meaningful work.
Yes, a company can 'se reconvertir' if it changes its primary business activity, such as a car manufacturer switching to making ventilators during a crisis.
Generally positive. it suggests growth, courage, and adaptability. However, in industrial contexts, it can be linked to the sadness of a closing industry.
The noun is 'la reconversion'. Example: 'Sa reconversion a duré deux ans'.
In France, many 'reconversions' involve getting a new diploma (like a CAP), but the word itself just describes the act of changing careers, regardless of the diploma.
Yes, 'se recycler' is more about technical updates, while 'se reconvertir' is a deeper, more structural career change.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
Write: 'I want to retrain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'She retrained as a baker.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'He retrained in IT after the crisis.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'We are retraining together.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'By retraining, she found a new job.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It's time for you (tu) to retrain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The professional retraining of seniors is a challenge.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'He had no choice but to retrain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Are you (vous) retraining?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'I am not retraining yet.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'They (masc) would have retrained if they could.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'He is retraining.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'She is thinking about retraining.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Retraining is a milestone in a career.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'My brother is retraining.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Why do you want to retrain?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'She successfully retrained.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The company helps employees retrain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'We retrain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It is possible to retrain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Je me reconvertis.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Elle s'est reconvertie.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Je veux me reconvertir dans l'art.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why you want to retrain (in French).
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'En se reconvertissant, on change de vie.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss the pros of retraining.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'La reconversion est un enjeu social.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a famous person's career change.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Nous nous reconvertissons.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il s'est reconverti en boulanger.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il est important qu'on se reconvertisse.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Debate the necessity of lifelong learning.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Se reconvertir.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Pourquoi se reconvertir ?'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Elle a sauté le pas.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'C'est un virage à 180 degrés.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Je ne me reconvertis pas.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'C'est dur mais possible.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il s'est reconverti avec succès.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'L'obsolescence des compétences.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen: 'Je me reconvertis en prof.' What is the job?
Listen: 'Il s'est reconverti l'année dernière.' When did he retrain?
Listen: 'Elle a fait une reconversion dans le luxe.' What sector?
Listen: 'S'étant reconverti, il a trouvé un sens à sa vie.' What did he find?
Listen: 'Se reconvertir.' How many syllables?
Listen: 'Nous nous reconvertissons.' Is it plural?
Listen: 'Il faut se reconvertir.' Is it an obligation or a choice here?
Listen: 'Le plan de reconversion.' Is this a person or a document/strategy?
Listen: 'Tu te reconvertis ?' Is it a question?
Listen: 'Elle s'est reconvertie avec joie.' How does she feel?
Listen: 'Un virage professionnel.' Is this about a car or a career?
Listen: 'La précarité de la reconversion.' Is it safe or risky?
Listen: 'Je me reconvertis.' Who is talking?
Listen: 'Il s'est reconverti dans le bois.' What material/sector?
Listen: 'En se reconvertissant.' Is this an action happening alongside another?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'se reconvertir' is the standard way to describe a career pivot in French. It is more than just changing jobs; it signifies a total transformation of one's professional identity. Example: 'Il s'est reconverti en boulanger' (He retrained as a baker).
- To retrain or change one's career path completely.
- A reflexive verb (se reconvertir) using 'être' in past tenses.
- Commonly followed by 'dans' (field) or 'en' (job title).
- Highly relevant in modern French social and professional contexts.
Don't forget the 'SE'
Always remember the reflexive pronoun. Without it, the sentence sounds like you are converting a file or a currency. 'Je me reconvertis' is about you!
Use 'Dans' for Fields
If you are moving into a whole new world like 'Tech', say 'dans la tech'. It sounds much more natural than 'en tech'.
The 'Boulanger' Cliché
In France, the most common example of 'reconversion' is a city worker becoming a baker. Use this in conversation to sound like you understand French culture!
The Nasal 'ON'
Ensure the 'con' in reconvertir is nasal. Don't let the 'n' sound like an English 'n'; it should vibrate in your nose.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات work
à distance
A2عن بعد، دون حضور جسدي في الموقع.
à durée déterminée
B1For a fixed or definite period; fixed-term.
à durée indéterminée
B1لأجل غير مسمى؛ دائم.
à la fin
A2في النهاية
à la journée
B1يومي، أو لمدة يوم واحد أو دفعة واحدة.
à la semaine
B1Weekly, by the week.
à l'année
B1Annually, by the year.
à l'attention de
B1عناية؛ تستخدم في المراسلات الرسمية لتوجيه رسالة إلى شخص معين.
à l'avance
A2القيام بشيء ما مسبقًا أو قبل الموعد المحدد.
à l'issue de
A2في نهاية؛ عند اختتام. تُستخدم هذه العبارة للإشارة إلى انتهاء حدث رسمي أو عملية معينة.