Overview
métier (often interchangeable but with nuances as explained above)
activité professionnelle (professional activity)
The word “profession” in French, much like its English counterpart, originates from the Latin 'professio', which means 'public declaration, promise'. This root suggests a public commitment or declaration to a particular skill or way of life, often with an underlying sense of dedication and integrity.
In French-speaking cultures, the concept of 'profession' often carries a strong connotation of respectability and expertise, particularly for what are known as 'professions libérales' (liberal professions). These typically include doctors, lawyers, architects, and notaries, among others, and are often regulated by their own professional bodies, emphasizing autonomy and ethical conduct.
une profession
A paid occupation, especially one that requires prolonged training and a formal qualification. This often implies a specialized field of work that demands a certain level of expertise, ethics, and often, a professional body or regulatory framework.
/yn pʁɔ.fɛ.sjɔ̃/
“Profession” is a feminine noun in French, hence it is preceded by the indefinite article “une” (a/an) and the definite article “la” (the).
Its plural form is “des professions” (some professions) or “les professions” (the professions).
Referring to someone's job or career.
Quelle est votre profession ? (What is your profession?)
Ma profession est enseignant. (My profession is teacher.) - Note: While 'enseignant' is masculine, 'profession' remains feminine.
Il exerce une profession libérale. (He practices a liberal profession – e.g., doctor, lawyer.)
Discussing the field of work itself.
La profession médicale (The medical profession)
Les professions du bâtiment (The building trades/professions)
In the context of professional ethics or standards.
Le code de déontologie de la profession (The professional code of ethics)
C'est un manque de professionnalisme. (It's a lack of professionalism.)
Un métier
While 'métier' also means 'job' or 'trade', it often refers to a skill-based occupation, sometimes one learned through apprenticeship, and doesn't always imply the same level of formal education or regulatory body as 'profession'. For example, 'un menuisier' (a carpenter) has a 'métier', whereas 'un avocat' (a lawyer) has a 'profession'.
Un travail
'Travail' is a more general term for 'work' or 'job', encompassing any kind of employment, paid or unpaid, and doesn't necessarily refer to a specific career path. For instance, 'faire un travail' (to do a job/work) or 'chercher du travail' (to look for work).
Un emploi
'Emploi' specifically refers to 'employment' or a 'position'. It emphasizes the fact of being employed rather than the nature of the work itself. You can have 'un emploi à temps plein' (a full-time job) regardless of the specific 'profession' or 'métier' you hold.
A declaration of faith/belief. This is a more formal or even religious context and deviates from the common meaning of 'occupation'.
Une profession de foi
To change professions/careers.
Changer de profession
To practice a profession.
例文
Elle a choisi une profession exigeante mais gratifiante.
Speaking about career choices.She chose a demanding but rewarding profession.
Quelle est votre profession ?
Asking someone about their job.What is your profession?
Les professions libérales sont souvent réglementées.
Discussing types of occupations.Liberal professions are often regulated.
Il exerce la profession de médecin depuis vingt ans.
Describing someone's long-term career.He has been practicing medicine for twenty years.
La profession d'enseignant demande beaucoup de dévouement.
Commenting on the nature of a specific job.The teaching profession requires a lot of dedication.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく混同される語
A trade or craft, usually requiring manual skills and practical training, rather than extensive academic study.
Refers to the overall progression of one's working life, often encompassing several jobs or professions.
文法パターン
How to Use It
使い方のコツ
When using 'une profession' in French, it's typically for a more formal and established occupation. For instance, 'Quelle est votre profession?' (What is your profession?) is a common question, especially in administrative contexts or formal introductions, implying a serious and trained occupation. If someone asks about a more casual or temporary job, they might use 'Quel est votre travail?' (What is your work?) or 'Qu'est-ce que tu fais comme boulot?' (What kind of job do you do? - informal). It's often followed by a specific field, e.g., 'ma profession est médecin' (my profession is doctor). The plural 'les professions' is used to refer to different occupational fields collectively, such as 'les professions de santé' (health professions). It can also be used in a broader sense to refer to the body of people engaged in a particular profession, e.g., 'la profession médicale' (the medical profession). Avoid using 'une profession' for short-term or informal employment; 'un job' (a job) or 'un petit boulot' (a casual job/odd job) would be more appropriate in those cases. The term also appears in phrases like 'secret professionnel' (professional secrecy).
よくある間違い
One common mistake is confusing 'une profession' with 'un métier'. While both refer to occupations, 'une profession' often implies a job requiring higher education, specialized training, and often a formal qualification (like a doctor, lawyer, or engineer). 'Un métier', on the other hand, can be a broader term for any trade or craft, including those learned through apprenticeship or vocational training (like a carpenter, baker, or mechanic). For example, being a doctor is 'une profession', while being a baker is 'un métier'. Another mistake can be mispronouncing the double 's' in 'profession'. Remember it's pronounced like a 'z' sound in English, so 'pro-feh-zion' rather than 'pro-fess-ion'. Additionally, ensure you use the feminine article 'une' because 'profession' is a feminine noun in French. You wouldn't say 'un profession'. Lastly, sometimes learners might mistakenly use 'occupation' as a direct translation, but 'occupation' in French often refers more to a pastime or hobby rather than a job. So, while you might understand what they mean, 'une profession' or 'un métier' would be the more appropriate terms for a paid occupation.
Tips
Use with 'faire'
When talking about what someone does for a living, you often use 'faire' (to do/make) with 'une profession'. For example, 'Elle fait une profession exigeante' (She has a demanding profession).
Gender and Articles
'Profession' is a feminine noun in French, so it always takes the feminine indefinite article 'une' (a/an) or definite article 'la' (the). Remember to use feminine adjectives to describe it, such as 'une profession libérale' (a liberal profession).
Common Collocations
Some common phrases include 'exercer une profession' (to practice a profession), 'choisir une profession' (to choose a profession), and 'une profession réglementée' (a regulated profession). These collocations can enrich your vocabulary.
語源
From Old French 'profession' (12th century), from Latin 'professio' (declaration, public acknowledgment), from 'profiteri' (to declare publicly, to acknowledge). 'Profiteri' is formed from 'pro-' (forth, publicly) and 'fateri' (to confess, to acknowledge). The sense of 'a vocation, an occupation' emerged in the late 14th century in English, and similarly in French, referring initially to a declaration upon entering a religious order, then more broadly to any occupation one 'professes' or declares oneself to follow.
文化的な背景
In France, 'une profession' often carries a connotation of respect and gravitas, more so than a casual 'job' (un boulot) or even a general 'métier' (trade/craft). The term implies a certain level of formal education, specialized training, and often professional ethics or a governing body. Professions like medicine (médecin), law (avocat), or teaching (enseignant) are highly regarded. There's also a strong emphasis on professional development and continuous learning within many 'professions'. The idea of a 'liberal profession' (profession libérale) is also significant, referring to self-employed professionals who offer intellectual services, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and consultants, operating under specific legal and ethical frameworks. The concept of 'la carrière' (career) is closely linked to 'une profession', suggesting a long-term commitment and progression within a chosen field. Family influence can also play a role, with certain professions sometimes being passed down through generations.
覚え方のコツ
Imagine a professional, perhaps a doctor or a lawyer, standing proudly with their 'une profession' certificate. The word itself sounds a bit like 'professional', which can help you remember its meaning.
よくある質問
4 問'Une profession' in French refers to a paid occupation, especially one that typically requires extensive, prolonged training and often a formal qualification or certification. It denotes a field of work that demands specialized knowledge, skills, and often adherence to ethical standards and practices, differentiating it from a simple job or trade. Examples include professions like medicine, law, engineering, or teaching, which necessitate higher education and often involve licensing or professional bodies.
While 'une profession', 'un métier', and 'un emploi' can all refer to work, they carry distinct nuances. 'Une profession' implies a higher level of specialized training, formal qualifications, and often intellectual work (e.g., a doctor, a lawyer). 'Un métier' usually refers to a skilled trade or craft that requires practical training and apprenticeship (e.g., a carpenter, a baker). 'Un emploi' is a more general term for any paid work or job, regardless of the required skill level or education, and doesn't necessarily imply a long-term career path.
No, 'une profession' is not typically used for just any type of job. It is specifically reserved for occupations that demand a significant amount of specialized education, training, and often official accreditation or licensing. For instance, while being a retail clerk is 'un emploi' (a job), it wouldn't usually be called 'une profession' because it doesn't generally require the same level of formal, prolonged training or qualification as, say, being a surgeon or an architect.
In France, common examples of 'une profession' include: 'médecin' (doctor), 'avocat' (lawyer), 'ingénieur' (engineer), 'enseignant' (teacher), 'architecte' (architect), 'comptable' (accountant), and 'notaire' (notary). These roles are recognized for their rigorous educational requirements, specialized expertise, and often, the need to belong to a professional order or association to practice legally.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct word: 'Elle exerce ______ intéressante.'
Complete the sentence: 'Son rêve est d'exercer ______ libérale.'
Fill in the blank: 'C'est ______ qui demande beaucoup de dévouement.'
スコア： /3
Use with 'faire'
When talking about what someone does for a living, you often use 'faire' (to do/make) with 'une profession'. For example, 'Elle fait une profession exigeante' (She has a demanding profession).
Gender and Articles
'Profession' is a feminine noun in French, so it always takes the feminine indefinite article 'une' (a/an) or definite article 'la' (the). Remember to use feminine adjectives to describe it, such as 'une profession libérale' (a liberal profession).
Common Collocations
Some common phrases include 'exercer une profession' (to practice a profession), 'choisir une profession' (to choose a profession), and 'une profession réglementée' (a regulated profession). These collocations can enrich your vocabulary.
例文
5 / 5Elle a choisi une profession exigeante mais gratifiante.
She chose a demanding but rewarding profession.
Quelle est votre profession ?
What is your profession?
Les professions libérales sont souvent réglementées.
Liberal professions are often regulated.
Il exerce la profession de médecin depuis vingt ans.
He has been practicing medicine for twenty years.
La profession d'enseignant demande beaucoup de dévouement.
The teaching profession requires a lot of dedication.
Related Content
workの関連語
à distance
A2Remotely, from a distance; not in person or on site.
à durée déterminée
B1For a fixed or definite period; fixed-term.
à durée indéterminée
B1For an indefinite period; permanent (e.g., contract).
à la fin
A2At the end, at the conclusion of something.
à la journée
B1Daily, by the day.
à la semaine
B1Weekly, by the week.
à l'année
B1Annually, by the year.
à l'attention de
B1Directed to; for the attention of.
à l'avance
A2In advance; beforehand.
à l'issue de
A2At the end of, following; upon the conclusion of.
