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A2 noun 12分で読める

vocation

練習する例文メモとヒント vocation 30秒で

解説 vocation in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of vocation as a special word for a job you really love. While you usually learn 'travail' or 'métier' first, 'vocation' is used when someone feels they were 'born to do' a certain job. For example, if you love helping people and want to be a doctor, that is your vocation. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'la vocation'. You might see it in simple stories about people's lives. It's a 'big' word, but its meaning is simple: a job that makes you happy and feels right for you. You don't need to use it every day, but knowing it helps you understand when people talk about their dreams. To use it, just remember: 'J'ai une vocation pour...' followed by a job or activity. It is like saying 'I have a passion for my work.' Even at this level, it's good to know that it is different from 'vacances' (holidays), which sounds similar but means something completely different!

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At the A2 level, you should start using vocation to talk about career choices and interests. You can use it to describe why someone chose a difficult job. For instance, 'Elle est infirmière par vocation' (She is a nurse by calling). This means she didn't just choose the job for the salary, but because she truly wants to help people. You will often find this word in texts about school orientation or biographies. It's important to recognize common phrases like 'trouver sa vocation' (to find one's calling). This is a very common goal for young people in France. You can also use it to describe the purpose of something, like 'Ce livre a une vocation pédagogique' (This book has an educational purpose). Remember to match your adjectives: 'une vraie vocation', 'une grande vocation'. It's a useful word for expressing deeper motivations than just 'j'aime' (I like).

At the B1 level, vocation becomes a key word for discussing social issues, professional life, and personal development. You can now use it in more complex sentences with different verbs like 'susciter' (to arouse) or 'confirmer' (to confirm). For example, 'Ce stage a confirmé ma vocation pour le journalisme' (This internship confirmed my calling for journalism). You should also be aware of the difference between a 'vocation' and a simple 'métier'. A vocation implies a sense of duty and long-term commitment. You might hear people debating whether certain jobs, like teaching, should be seen as vocations or just professional roles. This is a great word for writing essays about your future or discussing the importance of job satisfaction. You can also use the plural 'vocations' to talk about trends, such as 'la crise des vocations' (the crisis of callings) in sectors like healthcare where fewer people want to work.

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At the B2 level, you can explore the nuances of vocation in professional and institutional contexts. You should be comfortable using it to describe the 'mission statement' of an organization or a project. For instance, 'Cette association a une vocation internationale' (This association has an international mission). You can also use it to discuss the psychological and sociological aspects of work. Is a vocation innate or is it constructed through experience? You can use expressions like 'vocation tardive' (late calling) or 'vocation manquée' (missed calling) to add depth to your descriptions of people's lives. In debates, you might use the term to critique how society views certain professions—for example, arguing that calling nursing a 'vocation' shouldn't be an excuse for poor working conditions. Your use of prepositions ('vocation à', 'vocation pour') should be accurate, and you should be able to distinguish 'vocation' from 'inclination' or 'ambition'.

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At the C1 level, you should master the philosophical and historical dimensions of vocation. You can use it to analyze literature, where characters often struggle with their 'appel' or 'vocation'. You should understand its etymological roots in religious 'calling' and how that informs modern secular usage. In high-level academic or professional writing, you can use 'vocation' to describe the inherent purpose or 'telos' of an institution. For example, 'La vocation universelle de la France' is a classic rhetorical theme in French political history. You can also use the word in more abstract ways, such as 'la vocation de l'homme' (the calling of man) in a philosophical sense. You should be able to use the word with precision in complex structures, such as 'se découvrir une vocation de...', and understand the subtle irony when the word is used sarcastically to describe someone's persistent bad habits or quirks.

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At the C2 level, vocation is a tool for sophisticated discourse on ontology, sociology, and ethics. You can engage with Max Weber's concept of 'Science as a Vocation' (La science, profession et vocation) and discuss how the 'vocation' narrative functions in capitalist structures. You should be able to use the word in the most formal contexts, such as legal or diplomatic documents where 'vocation' might refer to the long-term destiny or intended role of a territory or a treaty. You can analyze the 'désenchantement du monde' (disenchantment of the world) and how it affects the traditional sense of vocation. Your usage should be flawless, incorporating the word into elegant, nuanced prose that captures the full weight of its historical, religious, and social baggage. You can explore the 'vocation' of language itself or the 'vocation' of art in the face of modern challenges, using the term to anchor deep intellectual inquiries.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

vocation 30秒で

Vocation is a feminine noun in French meaning a 'calling' or a deep passion for a specific career or mission in life.
It is commonly used for professions like teaching, medicine, and the arts, where personal dedication is more important than financial gain.
The word can also describe the intended purpose or mission of an institution, such as a school with a 'vocation international'.
It is a 'false friend' to the English word 'vacation'; in French, 'vocation' never means holiday or time off work.

The French noun vocation is a term of profound significance that transcends the mere notion of a job or a career path. At its core, it refers to a deep, often irresistible feeling of suitability or a 'calling' for a particular profession, lifestyle, or cause. While in English, the word 'vocation' can sometimes feel slightly formal or strictly religious, in French, it is a common part of the vocabulary used to describe one's professional destiny or innate passion. It suggests that an individual is not just performing a task for money, but is fulfilling a purpose that aligns with their character and talents.

Etymological Origin: The word comes from the Latin 'vocatio', meaning 'a calling'. Historically, this was exclusively used in a religious context, referring to God calling someone to the priesthood or a monastic life. In modern French, however, it has been secularized to include any career where passion and dedication are paramount.

Dès son plus jeune âge, elle a ressenti une véritable vocation pour la médecine.

This sentence illustrates the most common usage: the discovery of a path early in life. You will hear this word frequently when people discuss teachers, doctors, nurses, and artists—professions that require a high level of emotional investment. It is also used in a broader sense to describe the intended purpose of an object or an institution. For example, a building might have a 'vocation culturelle' (a cultural purpose). In French society, having a 'vocation' is highly respected because it suggests a level of altruism and authenticity. It is the opposite of 'travail alimentaire' (a job done just to put food on the table).

The Secular Shift: During the 19th and 20th centuries, the term moved from the church to the schoolhouse and the hospital. The 'hussards noirs' (the Republican teachers of France) were said to have a vocation to educate the youth in the values of the Republic.

Ce centre de recherche a une vocation internationale.

Here, the word describes the scope or mission of an entity. It is not about a personal feeling but a defined objective. Understanding this distinction is key to mastering the word. Whether it is a personal drive or a corporate mission, 'vocation' always points toward a higher goal or a specific fit.

Modern Nuances: In today's job market, the term is sometimes debated. Some argue that the 'vocation' narrative is used to justify lower wages in sectors like healthcare or education, suggesting that the personal satisfaction of the 'calling' is its own reward. This adds a layer of socio-political complexity to the word.

Il a trouvé sa vocation après de nombreuses années d'errance professionnelle.

This common phrase 'trouver sa vocation' (to find one's calling) is a milestone in French life narratives. It implies a sense of peace and resolution.

Elle a perdu sa vocation à cause de l'épuisement professionnel.

Conversely, 'perdre sa vocation' highlights the tragedy of burnout. In summary, 'vocation' is a word that bridges the gap between the professional world and the spiritual or emotional self. It is about alignment, purpose, and the deep-seated reason why we do what we do.

Using vocation correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. Because it is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives. The most frequent verb associated with it is 'avoir' (to have). Saying 'avoir la vocation' is a strong statement about someone's character.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'trouver' (to find), 'suivre' (to follow), 'découvrir' (to discover), and 'susciter' (to arouse/create) are the building blocks of sentences involving vocation. For example, 'Ce film a suscité de nombreuses vocations chez les jeunes' means the film inspired many young people to pursue a specific career.

Il suit sa vocation malgré les obstacles financiers.

This sentence demonstrates the use of 'suivre' (to follow). It implies a path that is already laid out by one's internal desires. You can also use 'se sentir une vocation pour' which translates to 'to feel a calling for'. In professional contexts, 'vocation' can describe the nature of a company. 'Une entreprise à vocation sociale' is a social enterprise. Here, the word acts almost like an adjective describing the core mission.

The Preposition 'Pour': When expressing what the calling is for, 'pour' is the standard preposition. 'Ma vocation pour l'enseignement' (My calling for teaching). It connects the internal feeling to the external field of work.

Elle a une vocation tardive pour la peinture.

This example uses 'tardive' (late), a common adjective used to describe someone who finds their calling later in life. Other adjectives include 'précoce' (early), 'manquée' (missed/failed), and 'véritable' (true).

Negation and Absence: You can say someone 'manque de vocation' (lacks calling). This is a common critique in professions like nursing or teaching where passion is seen as a prerequisite. 'Il exerce ce métier sans aucune vocation' suggests he is just doing it for the paycheck.

C'est un choix par vocation, pas par intérêt financier.

The phrase 'par vocation' functions as an adverbial phrase explaining the motivation behind an action. It is a very common way to justify a career choice that might be difficult or low-paying.

Sa vocation est née d'une rencontre avec un grand maître.

Here, 'est née' (was born) shows the origin of the feeling. The word is dynamic; it can be born, grow, be followed, or be lost. Mastering these patterns allows you to speak about life paths with the nuance of a native speaker.

You will encounter the word vocation in a variety of settings in French-speaking countries, ranging from formal education to casual dinner conversations. One of the most common places is in schools and universities. Career counselors (conseillers d'orientation) often ask students if they have a 'vocation' for a certain field. It is a standard part of the 'orientation' process in the French education system.

In the Media: Documentaries about 'métiers de passion' (passion-driven jobs) frequently use this word. Whether it's a baker waking up at 3 AM or a humanitarian worker in a conflict zone, the narrative usually centers on their 'vocation'. It provides a romanticized but deeply held view of work in French culture.

Dans cette interview, l'actrice parle de sa vocation pour le théâtre.

In the world of arts and literature, 'vocation' is almost a requirement. It is used to describe the internal fire that drives an artist to create. You will hear it in interviews with writers, musicians, and painters. Another frequent setting is the political or institutional sphere. When a new law is passed or a new organization is created, officials might speak of its 'vocation'. For example, 'La vocation de ce parc est de protéger la biodiversité' (The purpose of this park is to protect biodiversity). This usage is more technical and refers to the 'mission statement' of the entity.

Professional Reconversion: In recent years, the concept of 'reconversion professionnelle' (career change) has become very popular in France. You will often hear people say they quit their corporate job because they finally found their 'vraie vocation' in something like carpentry or organic farming. The word here signifies a return to authenticity.

Le gouvernement encourage les vocations dans le secteur du numérique.

This shows the word used in a collective sense. Governments often try to 'susciter des vocations' (arouse callings) in sectors where there is a labor shortage, like technology or nursing.

Literature and Philosophy: French literature is full of characters struggling with their vocations. From Balzac's ambitious young men to Flaubert's frustrated dreamers, the 'vocation' is a central theme of identity and social mobility.

Il a une vocation de service public chevillée au corps.

The expression 'chevillée au corps' (bolted to the body) is a vivid way to say a vocation is an inseparable part of someone. You'll hear this about devoted civil servants or activists. Finally, in everyday speech, if someone is very good at something—even a hobby—a friend might say, 'Tu devrais en faire ton métier, tu as une vraie vocation !' (You should do this for a living, you have a real calling!). It is a high compliment.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with vocation is confusing it with the English word 'vacation'. In French, 'vacation' is a very specific legal or administrative term (referring to a short period of work or a fee), while 'holidays' are 'vacances'. Never say 'Je pars en vocation' when you mean you are going to the beach! This is a classic 'faux ami' (false friend) that can lead to significant confusion.

Gender Confusion: Like many French nouns ending in '-tion', 'vocation' is feminine. Learners often forget this and use masculine articles like 'le' or 'un'. Always remember: 'LA vocation'. Using the wrong gender is a common marker of a non-native speaker and can affect the agreement of any following adjectives.

Incorrect: C'est un beau vocation. Correct: C'est une belle vocation.

Another mistake is overusing the word for every single job. 'Vocation' implies a high level of passion and dedication. Using it to describe a summer job at a fast-food restaurant might sound sarcastic or simply incorrect unless there is a very specific reason. Reserve 'vocation' for life-defining paths.

Preposition Errors: Learners sometimes use 'pour' when 'à' is required, or vice versa. Use 'vocation pour [a field/activity]' but 'vocation à [do something/a goal]'. For example: 'vocation pour la musique' vs 'vocation à devenir célèbre'. Getting these prepositions right is a sign of advanced proficiency.

Incorrect: Il a une vocation de médecin. Correct: Il a une vocation pour la médecine.

While 'vocation de médecin' is sometimes heard, 'pour la médecine' (the field) is generally more standard when describing the passion itself. Also, be careful with the plural. 'Les vocations' is used when talking about groups of people finding their paths, but in a personal context, it's usually singular.

Confusing with 'Appel': While 'appel' means 'call', it is rarely used to mean 'career calling' in the way 'vocation' is. 'Appel' is more physical or immediate. Stick to 'vocation' for long-term life paths.

Incorrect: J'ai entendu un appel pour être prof. Correct: J'ai une vocation pour l'enseignement.

Lastly, avoid using 'vocation' as a verb. There is no verb 'vocater'. You must use phrases like 'avoir la vocation' or 'se sentir une vocation'. By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you will use 'vocation' with the precision and grace of a native French speaker.

While vocation is a powerful word, French offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct synonym is often 'appel', but as noted, this is more common in religious or highly poetic contexts.

Vocation vs. Métier: 'Métier' refers to the craft, the job, or the trade itself. You can have a 'métier' without having a 'vocation'. A 'vocation' is the internal motivation, while the 'métier' is the external practice. Example: 'Il exerce son métier de menuisier avec une véritable vocation.'

Sa passion pour l'espace est devenue sa vocation.

'Passion' is another close relative. However, a passion can be a hobby (like stamp collecting), whereas a vocation almost always implies a professional or life-path commitment. You might have a passion for cooking, but if you decide to spend 14 hours a day in a professional kitchen, it has become your vocation.

Inclination and Penchant: 'Inclination' and 'penchant' are softer words. They suggest a tendency or a liking for something. You might have an 'inclination' for mathematics, but a 'vocation' for being a mathematician implies a much stronger, more definitive commitment.

Il a un talent naturel, mais il lui manque la vocation.

'Talent' refers to ability. One of the great tragedies in French literature is the character with immense talent but no vocation—the person who is good at something but doesn't care enough to pursue it.

Carrière vs. Vocation: 'Carrière' focuses on the progression, the titles, and the success over time. 'Vocation' focuses on the soul and the 'why'. You can have a brilliant career without a vocation, and a profound vocation without a successful career.

C'est sa raison d'être.

'Raison d'être' (reason for being) is a very strong alternative. It is often used when a vocation is so central to a person that they cannot imagine life without it. In conclusion, while 'vocation' is the standard term for a calling, you can use these alternatives to specify whether you are talking about the skill (talent), the job (métier), the feeling (passion), or the ultimate purpose (raison d'être).

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'avocat' (lawyer) shares the same root because a lawyer is someone 'called' to help or speak for another person in court.

発音ガイド

UK /vɔ.ka.sjɔ̃/

US /vɔ.kɑ.sjɔ̃/

In French, the stress is always on the final syllable: vo-ca-SION.

韻が合う語

Nation Passion Action Attention Mission Direction Solution Création

よくある間違い

Pronouncing '-tion' like the English 'shun'.
Failing to nasalize the final 'on'.
Adding a 't' sound at the end.
Using a closed 'o' sound like in 'go'.
Confusing the stress and putting it on the first syllable.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate.

ライティング 3/5

Requires correct gender and preposition usage.

スピーキング 3/5

Nasal 'on' and 'sy-on' ending can be tricky for beginners.

リスニング 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most contexts.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

Métier Travail Passion Appeler Sentir

次に学ぶ

Orientation Carrière Ambition Dévouement S'épanouir

上級

Sacerdoce Abnégation Inclination Prédestination Aptitude

知っておくべき文法

Feminine nouns ending in -tion

La nation, la création, la vocation.

Preposition 'pour' after feelings/inclinations

Une passion pour, une vocation pour.

The use of 'par' to indicate motivation

Il agit par amour, il travaille par vocation.

Pronominal verbs for self-discovery

Se découvrir, se trouver.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Une vocation tardive (not tardif).

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レベル別の例文

Ma vocation est d'aider les animaux.

My calling is to help animals.

Simple subject + verb 'être' + vocation.

Elle a une vocation pour la musique.

She has a calling for music.

Using 'avoir une vocation pour'.

C'est ma vocation !

It is my calling!

Exclamatory sentence with 'c'est'.

Il n'a pas de vocation pour le sport.

He doesn't have a calling for sports.

Negative form 'ne...pas de'.

Quelle est ta vocation ?

What is your calling?

Interrogative with 'quelle' (feminine).

Le dessin est sa vocation.

Drawing is his calling.

Noun as subject.

Une vocation pour la cuisine.

A calling for cooking.

Noun phrase.

Trouver sa vocation est important.

Finding one's calling is important.

Infinitive as subject.

Il a trouvé sa vocation dans l'enseignement.

He found his calling in teaching.

Passé composé with 'trouver'.

Elle suit sa vocation d'artiste.

She follows her calling as an artist.

Present tense of 'suivre'.

Ce métier demande une vraie vocation.

This job requires a true calling.

Verb 'demander' with an adjective.

Il est pompier par vocation.

He is a firefighter by calling.

Adverbial phrase 'par vocation'.

Ma vocation est née quand j'étais petit.

My calling was born when I was little.

Passive-like construction 'est née'.

Elle a une vocation tardive pour le piano.

She has a late calling for the piano.

Adjective 'tardive' following the noun.

Il n'exerce pas ce métier par vocation.

He doesn't do this job by calling.

Negative 'ne...pas' with 'par vocation'.

Ce centre a une vocation sportive.

This center has a sports-oriented purpose.

Vocation as 'purpose/mission'.

Le film a suscité de nombreuses vocations de pilotes.

The movie inspired many callings as pilots.

Verb 'susciter' (to arouse/inspire).

Il a toujours eu la vocation de servir son pays.

He always had the calling to serve his country.

Vocation followed by 'de' + infinitive.

Beaucoup de jeunes perdent leur vocation après le stage.

Many young people lose their calling after the internship.

Verb 'perdre' in the present tense.

C'est une vocation qui demande beaucoup de sacrifices.

It's a calling that requires many sacrifices.

Relative clause with 'qui'.

Elle hésite entre sa vocation et un salaire stable.

She hesitates between her calling and a stable salary.

Preposition 'entre...et'.

Sa vocation pour l'écologie est très forte.

Her calling for ecology is very strong.

Noun + 'pour' + noun.

Il s'est découvert une vocation pour l'ébénisterie.

He discovered a calling for woodworking.

Pronominal verb 'se découvrir'.

L'école doit aider les élèves à trouver leur vocation.

The school must help students find their calling.

Infinitive 'trouver' after 'aider...à'.

La crise actuelle provoque un manque de vocations médicales.

The current crisis is causing a lack of medical callings.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

Ce musée a pour vocation de conserver le patrimoine local.

This museum's mission is to preserve local heritage.

Phrase 'avoir pour vocation de'.

Elle a renoncé à sa vocation pour des raisons familiales.

She gave up her calling for family reasons.

Verb 'renoncer à'.

Il agit par pure vocation, sans attendre de reconnaissance.

He acts out of pure calling, without expecting recognition.

Adjective 'pure' modifying 'vocation'.

Sa vocation s'est confirmée au fil des années.

His calling was confirmed over the years.

Pronominal verb in passé composé.

L'orientation scolaire ne doit pas ignorer la vocation personnelle.

School orientation must not ignore personal calling.

Modal verb 'devoir' with negation.

On parle souvent de vocation manquée pour les artistes ratés.

We often speak of a missed calling for failed artists.

Phrase 'vocation manquée'.

Ce projet a une vocation sociale affirmée.

This project has a clear social mission.

Adjective 'affirmée' (clear/strong).

L'engagement humanitaire est souvent le fruit d'une vocation profonde.

Humanitarian commitment is often the result of a deep calling.

Complex noun phrase with 'le fruit de'.

Il interroge la vocation universelle de la littérature française.

He questions the universal mission of French literature.

Abstract usage of 'vocation'.

Sa vocation de chercheur l'a poussé à l'exil.

His calling as a researcher pushed him into exile.

Vocation as a driving force.

La vocation d'un intellectuel est de dire la vérité.

The calling of an intellectual is to tell the truth.

Philosophical definition structure.

Il a toujours ressenti cette vocation comme un fardeau.

He always felt this calling as a burden.

Vocation as a 'burden' (fardeau).

L'article analyse la dérive commerciale d'une institution à vocation culturelle.

The article analyzes the commercial drift of an institution with a cultural mission.

Prepositional phrase 'à vocation'.

Elle s'est forgé une vocation au contact des plus démunis.

She forged a calling through contact with the most destitute.

Verb 'se forger' (to forge/create for oneself).

La vocation n'est pas un don, c'est une conquête.

Calling is not a gift; it is a conquest.

Rhetorical contrast.

L'ontologie sartrienne refuse l'idée d'une vocation prédéterminée.

Sartrean ontology rejects the idea of a predetermined calling.

Philosophical/Academic context.

Le texte explore la vocation hégémonique de certaines puissances.

The text explores the hegemonic mission of certain powers.

Political/Geopolitical usage.

Il y a une tension entre vocation individuelle et impératifs économiques.

There is a tension between individual calling and economic imperatives.

Abstract noun pairing.

La vocation sacerdotale exige une abnégation totale.

The priestly calling requires total self-denial.

Formal/Religious adjective 'sacerdotale'.

Elle a transcendé sa condition sociale par la force de sa vocation.

She transcended her social condition through the strength of her calling.

High-level literary narrative.

Le délitement des vocations témoigne d'une crise de sens.

The crumbling of callings testifies to a crisis of meaning.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('délitement', 'témoigne').

Il s'agit d'une œuvre à vocation testamentaire.

It is a work with a testamentary purpose (a final legacy).

Adjective 'testamentaire' with 'à vocation'.

La vocation du poète est de nommer l'innommable.

The poet's calling is to name the unnamable.

Abstract/Poetic definition.

よく使う組み合わせ

Trouver sa vocation

Suivre sa vocation

Vocation tardive

Vocation manquée

Avoir la vocation

Susciter des vocations

Vocation professionnelle

Vocation religieuse

Sans vocation

Vocation internationale

よく使うフレーズ

C'est une vocation.

— Used when someone does something with extreme passion or natural ease.

Tu cuisines si bien, c'est une vocation !

Par vocation.

— Acting out of a sense of calling rather than for money or fame.

Il est devenu prêtre par vocation.

Manquer de vocation.

— To lack the necessary passion or temperament for a job.

Ce médecin manque cruellement de vocation.

Se découvrir une vocation.

— To suddenly realize what one is meant to do in life.

Elle s'est découvert une vocation pour le théâtre à 40 ans.

Confirmer sa vocation.

— To have an experience that proves one's career choice was correct.

Son premier concert a confirmé sa vocation de musicien.

Renoncer à sa vocation.

— To give up on one's dream or calling.

Il a dû renoncer à sa vocation d'astronaute.

Vocation de service public.

— The dedication to serving the community through government work.

Il a la vocation de service public chevillée au corps.

Crise des vocations.

— A situation where a profession struggles to attract new people.

La France traverse une crise des vocations chez les enseignants.

Vocation artistique.

— A natural calling toward creative pursuits.

Sa vocation artistique s'est manifestée très tôt.

Perdre sa vocation.

— To no longer feel the drive or passion for one's calling.

Après dix ans, il a fini par perdre sa vocation.

よく混同される語

vocation vs Vacation

In French, this means a short period of work or a fee, not a holiday.

vocation vs Vacances

This is the actual word for 'vacation' (holidays) in English.

vocation vs Location

This means 'rental' in French (e.g., louer une voiture).

慣用句と表現

"Avoir la vocation chevillée au corps"

— To have a calling so deeply rooted that it is part of one's identity.

Elle a la vocation de soigner chevillée au corps.

Informal/Expressive

"Une vocation de dernière minute"

— A sudden, unexpected decision to follow a specific path.

Il a eu une vocation de dernière minute pour la politique.

Neutral

"Vocation contrariée"

— A calling that was prevented by external circumstances.

C'est l'histoire d'une vocation contrariée par la guerre.

Literary

"L'appel de la vocation"

— The irresistible feeling of being drawn to a path.

Il n'a pas pu résister à l'appel de la vocation.

Poetic

"Vocation de façade"

— Pretending to have a calling for appearances.

Sa vocation de philanthrope n'est qu'une vocation de façade.

Critical

"S'épanouir dans sa vocation"

— To flourish or find happiness in one's calling.

Elle s'épanouit pleinement dans sa vocation d'architecte.

Neutral

"Vocation de sacrifice"

— A calling that inherently requires giving up personal comfort.

Le métier de missionnaire est une vocation de sacrifice.

Formal

"N'avoir aucune vocation pour..."

— To be completely unsuited for a specific role.

Il n'a aucune vocation pour la vie de bureau.

Neutral

"Vocation de bâtisseur"

— A calling to create, build, or organize large projects.

Il a une véritable vocation de bâtisseur d'empire.

Neutral

"Une vocation qui tombe du ciel"

— A calling that appears suddenly without prior interest.

Sa vocation pour la poésie lui est tombée du ciel.

Informal

間違えやすい

vocation vs Profession

Both refer to work.

Profession is the neutral term for a job requiring training. Vocation is the internal drive.

Sa profession est avocat, mais sa vocation est la musique.

vocation vs Métier

Both refer to work.

Métier focuses on the craft and manual/technical skills. Vocation is the 'calling'.

Il connaît bien son métier, mais il n'a pas la vocation.

vocation vs Carrière

Both refer to a life path.

Carrière is about the external success and timeline. Vocation is about the internal purpose.

Il a fait une belle carrière sans jamais trouver sa vocation.

vocation vs Passion

Both involve strong feelings.

Passion can be temporary or a hobby. Vocation implies a life mission or job.

Le surf est sa passion, mais la biologie est sa vocation.

vocation vs Appel

Direct translation of 'calling'.

Appel is more poetic or literal (a shout). Vocation is the standard term for a career calling.

L'appel de la forêt vs La vocation de médecin.

文型パターン

C'est ma vocation.

Aider les gens ? C'est ma vocation.

[Sujet] a une vocation pour [nom].

Paul a une vocation pour le dessin.

Trouver sa vocation dans [domaine].

Elle a trouvé sa vocation dans l'humanitaire.

Être [métier] par vocation.

Il est instituteur par vocation.

Une institution à vocation [adjectif].

Une école à vocation européenne.

Susciter des vocations chez [groupe].

Ce livre suscite des vocations chez les jeunes.

La vocation de [quelque chose] est de [verbe].

La vocation de l'art est de troubler les esprits.

Se découvrir une vocation de [métier].

Il s'est découvert une vocation de prédicateur.

語族

名詞

Vocation

Vocable (a word/term)

Vocalisation

動詞

Vouer (to dedicate/devote - related root)

Invoquer (to invoke)

Evoquer (to evoke)

形容詞

Vocationnel (vocational - less common in French than English)

Vocal

使い方

frequency

High in professional and educational contexts.

よくある間違い

Using 'le vocation' → La vocation
Vocation is a feminine noun. All nouns ending in -tion are feminine in French.
Saying 'Je suis en vocation' for holidays. → Je suis en vacances.
'Vocation' is a career calling; 'vacances' are holidays.
J'ai une vocation de médecine. → J'ai une vocation pour la médecine.
Use the preposition 'pour' with the field of study/work.
Pronouncing '-tion' like 'shun'. → Pronouncing it 'sy-on'.
The French '-tion' is distinct from the English one.
Using 'vocation' for a part-time summer job. → Un petit boulot / un job d'été.
'Vocation' implies a deep, lifelong passion.

ヒント

Always Feminine

Remember to use feminine adjectives like 'belle', 'grande', or 'tardive' with vocation.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it for every job. Save it for paths that involve real passion or a 'calling'.

Not a Holiday

Never use 'vocation' to mean time off. Use 'vacances' for that.

The Nasal 'ON'

The final syllable is nasal. Practice saying 'sion' without letting your tongue touch your teeth.

Related Words

Learn 'métier' and 'passion' alongside 'vocation' to express different levels of interest.

Company Mission

Use 'à vocation' to describe the goal of a business or project in a professional setting.

Respect the 'Appel'

In France, saying you have a 'vocation' for your job is a sign of high professional integrity.

Missed Callings

The phrase 'vocation manquée' is very common for people who are talented but chose a different path.

Vocation POUR

Always use 'pour' when connecting the word to a field: 'vocation pour la science'.

Universal Vocation

In high-level French, 'vocation' can refer to the destiny of a nation or a language.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Voice' (Vo-) 'Calling' (-cation). Your vocation is the voice in your head calling you to your career.

視覚的連想

Imagine a megaphone (for calling) pointing toward a doctor's stethoscope or a teacher's book.

Word Web

Appel Métier Passion Destin Travail Avenir Talent Mission

チャレンジ

Try to describe your dream job using the phrase 'Ma vocation est de...' and explain why you feel 'called' to it in three sentences.

語源

The word 'vocation' comes from the Latin 'vocatio', which means 'a calling' or 'a summons'. This is derived from the verb 'vocare', meaning 'to call'.

元の意味： In its earliest usage, it referred to a religious calling—the sense that God was calling an individual to serve the church.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French

文化的な背景

Be careful not to dismiss someone's job by saying they 'lack vocation' unless you are prepared for a serious conversation; it is a personal critique.

In English, 'vocation' is often synonymous with 'trade school' (vocational school) or religious life. In French, it is broader and used more casually to describe any passionate career choice.

Max Weber's essay 'Le savant et le politique' (Science as a Vocation). The film 'La Vocation d'Adrien' (a common trope in French cinema). The religious 'vocation' of Joan of Arc.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Education

Trouver sa voie
Conseiller d'orientation
Études supérieures
Susciter des vocations

Healthcare

Vocation de soignant
Dévouement aux patients
Crise des vocations
Don de soi

Arts

Vocation artistique
Besoin de créer
Expression personnelle
Suivre son instinct

Religion

Entrer dans les ordres
Appel de Dieu
Vocation sacerdotale
Vie monastique

Business

Vocation de l'entreprise
Mission sociale
Objectifs stratégiques
Culture d'entreprise

会話のきっかけ

"As-tu déjà trouvé ta véritable vocation dans la vie ?"

"Penses-tu que l'on naît avec une vocation ou qu'on la découvre ?"

"Est-il possible d'avoir plusieurs vocations au cours d'une vie ?"

"Quels métiers considères-tu comme de vraies vocations aujourd'hui ?"

"As-tu déjà dû renoncer à une vocation pour des raisons pratiques ?"

日記のテーマ

Décris le moment où tu as ressenti ta première vocation pour quelque chose.

Si l'argent n'existait pas, quelle serait ta vocation quotidienne ?

Réflexion sur la différence entre un métier alimentaire et une vocation.

Comment peut-on aider les jeunes à découvrir leur vocation plus tôt ?

Est-ce que ta vocation actuelle correspond à tes rêves d'enfant ?

よくある質問

10 問

No, while it started that way, in modern French it is used for any job you are passionate about, like teaching or art.

Usually, no. It implies a professional or life commitment. Use 'passion' for hobbies.

It is feminine: LA vocation. All French words ending in -tion are feminine.

You say 'J'ai trouvé ma vocation'.

Absolutely not. That is a common mistake. 'Vacation' in French is a legal term, and 'holidays' are 'vacances'.

Yes, in the sense of 'purpose'. For example, 'Ce bâtiment a une vocation sociale'.

It is a 'missed calling'—someone who wanted to do something but couldn't or didn't.

It is neutral to formal. It's used in everyday conversation but also in very high-level literature.

It is 'vocations'. It is used when talking about groups of people (e.g., 'la crise des vocations').

The most common are 'avoir', 'trouver', 'suivre', and 'susciter'.

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